Reply #2: Well, you're right in general of course. But to keep the facts straight..

[Brotherjohn]

... I don't think this month has been the bloodiest since "Mission Accomplished". I think that dubious distinction goes to April 2004, I believe (http://icasualties.org/oif/). This month, however, HAS seen a marked INCREASE in American fatalities from last month. So the "handover", such as it was, has not helped in that department.

Your'e right though. That IS their strategy. End the occupation on paper, keep Iraq out of the news, and try to keep the troops from bringing bad news home. I guess that's why they extended many troops' stints to, say, after the election.