Free Republic

BAGHDAD - Signs are emerging that Iraq has reached a turning point. Violence is down, armed extremists are in disarray, government confidence is rising and sectarian communities are gearing up for a battle at the polls rather than slaughter in the streets. Those positive signs are attracting little attention in the United States, where the war-weary public is focused on the American presidential contest and skeptical of talk of success after so many years of unfounded optimism by the war's supporters. Unquestionably, the security and political situation in Iraq is fragile. U.S. commanders warn repeatedly that security gains are reversible....

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2007 – Due to the sustained presence of coalition forces in former insurgent safe havens and increased capability of Iraqi security forces, levels of violence in Iraq are the lowest they’ve been since June 2006, an operational leader on the Joint Staff said today. (Video) Army Brig. Gen. Richard Sherlock, deputy director for operational planning for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provides an operations update during a Pentagon news briefing Aug. 23, 2007. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Molly A. Burgess, USN  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Army Brig. Gen. Richard Sherlock, deputy director...