More: Christoff’s conclusions echo that of ret. Gen. James Jones last month, who observed “progress” in a Shi’a-led ethnic cleansing campaign.

Also in attendance at the hearing was Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR) Stuart Bowen. In his quarterly report to Congress released today, Bowen acknowledged the reduction in violence but stated that it has not been accompanied by tangible political reconciliation, a finding that was neglected by the traditional media in its reporting today. In Baghdad, for example, Provincial Reconstruction Team officials note:

Despite reduced violence, officials are pessimistic that lasting reconciliation is occurring. … In Diyala, there is a desire to work toward reconciliation, but it will take years to overcome ill-will between tribes.

Earlier this month, Gen. David Petraeus confidently declared, “There’s a local reconciliation” in Diyala province.

I suspected there was a link. If anything the reduction in violence means that they have achieved their goals or segregating these areas by force. Now most of the violence is south, where Shiite militias are fighting against each other over who controls Basra.

Bush and Cheney's worst enemy will always be the Governmental Accountability Office. They are the US citizens' best ally.