[bnelson44]

While the outcome of Together Forward is by no means assured, the statistics since the major clearing operations began in early August are encouraging. The operations are having a positive effect in reducing the level of violence in Baghdad. “Attacks within the Baghdad province averaged about 23 attacks per day over the past week, which is lower than the monthly average for July. The average daily murder rate in Baghdad province has dropped 46 percent from July to August. And if you look to just the past few weeks, from the 7th through the 25th of August, the murder rate has dropped 50 percent over the daily rate for July,” said Maj. Gen. Caldwell.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1692257/posts

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

The Associated Press even recognized that in their headline although the article started out with the usual list of violent incidences:

Progress Made in Curbing Iraq Disorder - AP Admits it...the Tide is turning...