CENTCOM Point Man Sees Progress in Surge. Navy Times, August 20, 2007, p. 28-29.

Funny, I haven’t heard about this on CNN, Fox, my Internet news feeds, or any other source, but according to Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Morin who works for Admiral Fallon, there slightly more than 70 deaths among US Forces in Iraq in July, the first time the number has fallen below 100 since March. Now I do recall seeing news stories in the last few months about the “highest number of causalities”, the “rising number of casualties”, etc. Always quick to criticize, seldom ever to praise, our main stream media is once again showing how its collective judgment is often flawed.

CSM Morin essentially gives evidence that things are improving in Iraq, security is gradually being restored, and Iraqis are feeling safer. Admittedly it is not happening everywhere, and it will take some time to spread, but things are improving.

One thing the troops need, more PRTs (Provincial Reconstruction Teams), something near and dear to my heart as it is likely to be the subject of my forthcoming dissertation. PRTs really belong to the State Department but they do involve military personnel and are an evolution of tactics started near the end of the Vietnam War.