Originally Posted by cmac2012

Without question, violence in Iraq has declined. Sectarian violence has diminished, fewer people are dying, the number of deadly bombings has dropped. But let's put this in perspective.

But then, after the American troop escalation early this year, violence dropped precipitously.

At the same time, no one is kidnapping foreigners any longer. Helicopters aren't being shot down. Attacks on oil pipelines have virtually ceased.

Iraq is less violent.