Surge Fizzles in Iraq

A new report shows no overall drop in bloodshed in Iraq despite the three-month-old troop surge. Violence has fallen slightly in Baghdad and Anbar province, where troops are concentrated, but a corresponding rise everywhere else more than compensates. And while sectarian killings have dropped slightly, civilian casualties are up, and suicide attacks have almost doubled.

The release of the report coincides with fears that violence will spiral uncontrollably after yesterday's bombing of the Al-Askariya Mosque. Congressional leaders Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid sent a letter to the president yesterday pleading that the surge had failed, and urging him to begin bringing troops home.