This analysis is essential reading for those following the larger strategic issues involved in the Iraq War. The author makes a strong case that the "surge" accomplished very little. I must say I agree with him, and I think the continuing large-scale American military presence does more harm than good.

A must-read for everyone uncertain about the unsupported rhetoric emanating from every neo con who can get to a microphone. Obviously the small number of troops in the surge had little real effect–considering the original several 100,00 more troops estimate at the beginning by general Cheney fired. The article points out the two major reasons were: 1) bribing of Sunni guerrillas and 2) ethnic cleansing. Still neocon arguments sans evidence proliferate. Quoting: "It is Obama who has the better argument in this debate, not McCain, who knows almost nothing about Iraq and Iraqis and who overestimates what can be expected of 30,000 U.S. troops in an enormous, complex country."

This article discusses the remaining high level of violence in Iraq and the actions that may or may not have contributed to a reduction from previously even higher levels. While the article may qualitatively underplay the role of the relatively modest increase in troops called the surge, it makes a strong case that chasing sunnis out of Baghdad neighborhoods and "bribing" sunni tribesmen had a strong effect in reducing violence -- which still remains high. It asserts that what Gen. Petraeus did with the troops had a stronger effect than the increase in numbers. I believe, however, that because of the anit-war stance of the author, the nature of his on-line vehicle and U.S. polarization in general, this article will have little ... More »

Torough analysis of what factors are and are not responsible for the decline in violence in Iraq. Also puts the level of violence into perspective -- it is still alarmingly high. It makes one wonder if the mainstream news media have feet on the ground.

Professor Cole lays out the history of developments in Iraq in some detail, showing the ethnic cleansing of Baghdad. The article is careful and informative. One aspect of declining casualties is not mentioned is from the Winter Soldier testimonies, where Iraq occupation veterans frequently spoke of soldiers and their immediate officers realizing the murderous stupidity of some of the missions they were assigned and so would design "search and avoid" missions that would successfully avoid conflicts with the local forces, rather than conducting the "search and destroy" missions envisioned by top commanders. Thus one might credit a surge in conscience among our bottom level troops, similar to the GI refusal to fight in Viet Nam ... More »

Excellent article. The propaganda about the surge had my mind muddled about its effectiveness. Again we are being fed a lot of lies and distorting the facts. This article puts everything in true perspective and the facts as he relates them leaves one incredibly astonished. It further cements one's belief that not only do we need to clean up our government but the media as well. They represent the corporate world that dominates our media. They neglect to report the news. Most of have to get our news from Independent media, BBC, French News. Those of us who can use the internet are also fortunate in getting the facts.

This story provides important additional information on the Iraqui situation which is being mainly ignored in the mainstream media. This is a complex subject, and the data in this story should be much more widely reported.