In a recent NPR interview, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld spoke of trends in Iraq and suggested that the security situation may be beginning to quiet down somewhat since the transfer of sovereignty in late June. Using Brookings’ Iraq Index as a guide, Michael O’Hanlon commented on Secretary Rumsfeld’s statement on NPR’s morning edition on July 20, suggesting that while there may be some hopeful signs in Iraq, on the whole the secretary’s comments are probably premature.
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Commentary
Is Iraq ‘Calming Down’?
July 20, 2004