Reply #3: Not reallly, it is merely an observation.

[bemildred]

Mortar attacks on the Green Zone have become more regular, blatant, and accurate. The story about how the denizens of the GZ are angry at the lack of protection testifies to the same thing. Now, for that to be so, the perps have to feel more confident in planning and carrying out their attacks, they are getting closer, firing more shells before moving, e.g. 4 instead of 2 here, and taking more time to prepare their attacks. All of those testify to a reduced concern with counterfire, which when rapid and accurate leaves little time to fool around after an attack. One can infer also that there is less fear of being spotted and targeted when preparing an attack. We seem to be getting more daylight attacks, too.

Why that is so is a different question, and I could only speculate. Reduced air cover and air support come to mind, more mortar teams in the area, lack of counterfire batteries, changes in rules of engagement. It's hard to say out here in TV land.