[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...

[bnelson44]

"In August, thank God, the number of deaths has evidently decreased," he said. "It's quite noticeable. Thank God, terrorist operations have decreased in Baghdad."

U.S. officials attributed the fall in sectarian killings to a major security crackdown launched Aug. 7. About 8,000 U.S. troops and 3,000 Iraqi soldiers were sent to the capital to search homes systematically and patrol the streets.

[TexKat]

Iraq Commander Plays Down Grim Report