ith about seven weeks remaining in 2007, the death toll for U.S. military deaths in Iraq has reached 853 -- three more than the previous yearly record total -- 850 in 2004.
It is a grim milestone for the U.S. military. It has also been a very sad year for the families of those 853 fatalities.
This new worst death total occurred despite a recent decline in fatalities.
Has this tragic war in Iraq finally turned the corner? It is anyone's guess.
There are some positive signs.
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The frequency of roadside bombs has declined, resulting in a corresponding casualty and fatality decline among U.S military personnel.
Military sources report an improving security situation in Baghdad and in other areas. This is helping the U.S. military increase pressure against the extremists and their bombs.
There are also small signs of improving relations between the U.S. and the government of Iran. Such an improvement certainly could be beneficial to improving the Iraqi situation.
Americans have long since tired of the Iraq War. The challenge for America's government is what to do next. There are signs that the current military surge may be working.
Let's hope and pray that the conditions on the ground in Iraq continue to improve. The sooner and faster that happens the sooner America's troops can come home.
