Both the Bush administration and military have said sectarian killings and violence are surging around Iraq and in the capital, although the military has said the attacks are limited to parts of Baghdad not yet included in the security operation.
A reduction in violence Friday was directly attributed to a vehicle ban went into effect around Baghdad to prevent suicide car bombers and others attacking worshippers during prayers.
God forbid we know our tactics are working. BL confirmed the point in a Centcom Release (follow his link):
This approach appears to be working in the focus areas, where violence is down, [Army spokesman Maj. Gen. William] Caldwell said.However, he acknowledged that violence in other parts of Baghdad experienced a “spike” yesterday and noted that terrorist death squads “are clearly targeting civilians outside the focus areas.”
Translation: the enemy is desperately working only in the spots we haven't gotten to yet.
You may also be interested in BL's collection of comments from moderated Muslim groups defending the Pope or at least calling for an end to violence.
