The situation in Iraq is improving, and control of public order is gradually shifting to Iraqi forces. General David Howell Petraeus of the United States Army has been commanding the US Armed Forces in Iraq since February 10, 2007. His strategy has achieved significant success: large-scale sectarian violence between Iraq’s various religious denominations has now ceased, along with the Sunni revolt against Al Qaeda throughout the country (the so-called ‘al Sahwa’ – the ‘Awakening’). As of August 2008, 4,146 US soldiers have been killed in five years of war, with 30,324 wounded. More than 100,000 Iraqis have died violent deaths. Five years of war will cost nearly $1 trillion, including the long-term maintenance costs of war veterans.
