Great Military Progress, Some Political Progress in Iraq

"Iraq Report Cites Security Gains, Need for Political, Economic Progress" from Multi-National Force - Iraq reports about the quarterly report on progress in Iraq - citing the considerable military progress that is providing security for the nascent political reforms.

The Defense Department released its “Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq” report today, the latest in quarterly reports to Congress, covering the period from December to February.

The report notes that violence is down throughout much of Iraq. Deaths from ethno-sectarian violence are down 90 percent, and civilian and coalition deaths by more than 70 percent since the June report.

The bulls-eye for attacks has shifted from Anbar province, which has seen a dramatic 90 percent drop in violence since January, to Ninewa and Diyala provinces, the report notes.