[Jameison]

"Bombings and shootings soared by 40 percent in the Baghdad area in the past week, the U.S. command said Thursday."

Up 40% from last week?
That is significant?
What is down by, from last year or year to date or last month and what is the trend?
Violence always fluctuates from week to week. Could very well be that last week was low.
Normal Associalistic Press spin and BS.

[jmc1969]

Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, the chief military spokesman, said there had been an average of 34 attacks a day involving U.S. and Iraqi forces in and around the capital since Friday -- up sharply from the daily average of 24 registered between June 14 and July 13.

[Gone GF]

Maybe I don't read too good, but it seems to me this is the military saying this, not the press.