A Hint Of Progress

Despite the fact that liberal bloggers and Democrats contend that "no progress" has been made with the surge, The New York Times: Hints of Progress, and Questions, in Iraq Data

The most comprehensive and up-to-date military statistics show that American forces have made some headway toward a crucial goal of protecting the Iraqi population. Data on car bombs, suicide attacks, civilian casualties and other measures of the bloodshed in Iraq indicate that violence has been on the decline, though the levels generally remain higher than in 2004 and 2005.

Not great news, but encouraging. Osama bin Laden's new tape has frankly only helped bolster my view that he is increasingly marginalized and weak. The passing shots he took at Democrats and suggestions for the direction or national and domestic policy should take also read like Democratic talking points. The bin Laden tape was essentially a victory for the White House.

And I don't know about you, but so far this September, I haven't read many reports of car bombs and troop fatalities. But that may only be due to the fact that many have been scrambling to discredit Petraeus and his report.

Update: Another NY Times report says the surge has failed. (H/T Hot Air)