WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2008 – Violence has dropped in southern Iraq, but Iranian-influenced ”special groups” remain a concern, the commander of the U.S. brigade that provides theater security said today. Army Col. Charles Flynn spoke to Pentagon reporters via teleconference from his headquarters at Coalition Operating Base Adder at Talil Air Base near Nasiriyah, Iraq. The 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division has had the mission since July. The brigade ensures that the ground lines of communication and supply lines to multinational forces remain open. “We're not landowners per se, but our area of operations spans...