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Despite gains in Iraq, '07 deadliest year yet

Last six months saw dramatic drops in violence.

BAGHDAD - The second half of 2007 saw violence drop dramatically in Iraq, but the progress came at a high price: The year was the deadliest for the U.S. military since the 2003 invasion, with 899 troops killed.

"We're focusing our energy on building on what coalition and Iraqi troopers have accomplished in 2007," Gen. David Petraeus said. "Success ... will emerge slowly and fitfully, with reverses as well as advances."

U.S. military deaths peaked in May with 126 troops killed. It was then that the United States began ramping up its attacks against insurgent strongholds, leading to increased clashes in Baghdad and other key areas across central Iraq. As of Sunday night, 21 deaths were reported in December, the second-lowest monthly total of the war.

Iraqi civilian deaths have tracked that decline and overall violence across the country is down roughly 60 percent, American commanders say. Iraqi civilian deaths peaked in May with 2,155 killed. That fell to 718 in November and 710 in December. For the year, 18,610 Iraqis were killed.

BAGHDAD - Hundreds of people, including many children, chanted slogans praising Saddam Hussein on Sunday as they tossed flowers onto his tomb one year after he was executed.

The muted anniversary of Hussein's death saw little violence, a far cry from the blood spilled on the day the former Iraqi leader was executed and the horrific wave of killing that ensued until the surge of U.S. troops.

In Hussein's hometown of Tikrit, supporters gave fiery speeches while others just stood quietly by the tomb.

"With our blood, with our souls, we sacrifice for you, Saddam!" the children chanted. The tomb was covered in Iraqi flags and flowers and flanked by large pictures of a smiling Hussein.

[Last modified December 31, 2007, 01:16:36]