And the Year's Not Over Yet…

Grim AP Headline in Cincy Enquirer:

2007 Is Deadliest Year for US in Iraq

The U.S. military on Tuesday announced the deaths of five more soldiers, making 2007 the deadliest year for U.S. troops despite a recent downturn, according to an Associated Press count.

At least 852 American military personnel have died in Iraq so far this year - the highest annual toll since the war began in March 2003, according to AP figures.

The grim milestone passed despite a sharp drop in U.S. and Iraqi deaths here in recent months, after a 30,000-strong U.S. force buildup. There were 39 deaths in October, compared to 65 in September and 84 in August.

More here.

Steve Chapman looked at false optimism on Iraq here.

Brian Doherty chanted that War Is Over, If You Want It.

In 2006, reason looked at Iraq three years after "mission accomplished" here.