Record-Breaking Attacks on American, Iraqi Targets

Want fewer attacks? Bring the troops home.

David S. Cloud & Michael R. Gordon (New York Times) report:

"A Pentagon assessment of security conditions in Iraq concluded Monday that attacks against American and Iraqi targets had surged this summer and autumn to their highest level, and called violence by Shiite militants the most significant threat in Baghdad.

The report, which covers the period from early August to early November, found an average of almost 960 attacks against Americans and Iraqis every week, the highest level recorded since the Pentagon began issuing the quarterly reports in 2005, with the biggest surge in attacks against American-led forces. That was an increase of 22 percent from the level for early May to early August, the report said.While most attacks were directed at American forces, most deaths and injuries were suffered by the Iraqi military and civilians...."

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