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Baghdad Safe Again, Says Iraq

Fall in violence trigger optimism from Iraqi government

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 20, 2007 7:24 AM CST

(Newser) – A sharp drop in violence in Baghdad led Iraqi government officials to express confidence yesterday that the worst is over, reports the Los Angeles Times. While violence remains high, bombings, street fighting, and abductions are down, as are fears of a civil war. US officials urged Iraq's government to take advantage of the lull to get reforms and services in place.

Optimistic Iraqi officials credit the US troop surge, the Mahdi Army ceasefire, and Sunnis turning against al-Qaeda. "Certainly we still have more to do, but no one can deny that we have passed the difficult stage in Baghdad," said an Iraqi official. A US military official cautioned that Iraqi officials must take advantage of this window quickly before it shuts again.

Iraqi children play in a fountain at Firdos square, in front of the 14th Ramadan mosque, central Baghdad, Iraq, on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007 during Eid al-Fitr celebrations marking the end of the holy Muslim... (Associated Press)

A U.S. soldier of the 3rd Brigade talks to local residents during Operation Marne Courageous in the town of Owesap, 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Baghdad Monday Nov. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Petr David... (Associated Press)

A relative of one of the victims of a car bomb explosion grieves as others prepare to load the coffin with his body onto a minibus in Baghdad's Karrada neighborhood, Iraq, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007. A car... (Associated Press)

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Fall in violence trigger optimism from Iraqi government

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31 Dead in 3 Blasts Near Baghdad Hotels

Explosions hit popular district bordering Green Zone

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Says he'll lose if surge fails—then back pedals

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City sees dramatic improvement in security from a year ago

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Almost half the 1,809 casualties killed in a single day

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Fall in violence trigger optimism from Iraqi government

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • insurgents • Baghdad • troop surge • US embassy in Baghdad • Iraq violence • Iraq war

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

31 Dead in 3 Blasts Near Baghdad Hotels

Explosions hit popular district bordering Green Zone

21 Killed in Iraq Car Bombings

25 wounded in Baghdad square blast

Iraq Will Make or Break My Campaign: McCain

Says he'll lose if surge fails—then back pedals

US Sees Huge Gains in Baghdad Security

City sees dramatic improvement in security from a year ago

Iraqi Civilian Deaths Spike in August

Almost half the 1,809 casualties killed in a single day

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?