[rb22982]

One senior officer said that despite reports of increased violence, Basra was relatively peaceful. “Attacks are down and the Iraqi army and police who are now running downtown Basra are doing a great job,” he said.

Love how they slip that first bit in there. I haven't seen ANY posts that showed an increased violence activity in Iraq--in fact just the opposite. The second half --the actual quote-- is more in lines with fact.

[uksupport1]

I know what you mean! Also, all media reports about Basra have to include the line ‘in the grip of a turf war between rival Shiite factions’. Evidence, please :-)

[Allegra]

Love how they slip that first bit in there. I haven't seen ANY posts that showed an increased violence activity in Iraq--in fact just the opposite. The second half --the actual quote-- is more in lines with fact.

Violence in Iraq is becoming more and more rare. Baghdad is quiet and has been for some time. The incidents are few and far between now when just a few months ago, they were daily and sometimes several times a day.

We've gone from hearing regular explosions to hearing almost none at all. And what we do hear now tends to be either controlled detonations or "outgoing mail."

The media is desperate to keep the war going, but the Iraqis are not. :-)