As you keep getting told that the surge isn’t working and we’re not winning, keep this in mind. As noted by Frank Warner, November is usually one of the most deadly months for U.S. troops in Iraq. Frank writes:

With two days of the month remaining, the number of Americans killed this November in defense of Iraq’s new democracy is 34. That’s less than half the U.S. deaths of the previously least violent November.

Make sure to catch that last part. “less than half the U.S. deaths of the previously least violent November”. Indeed, last November 70 U.S. troops lost their lives, in 2005 we saw 84 deaths, in 2004 we saw 137 and 82 lives were lost in November 2003. This November is the least deadly November since troops entered Iraq.

Don’t get me wrong. 34 deaths is still not acceptable. But in order to accept the argument the surge isn’t working, especially after seeing these latest statistics, would require “a willing suspension of disbelief.”

Update: The Associated Press, shockingly, reports:

BAGHDAD – November was on course to be the least deadly for American troops in Iraq since March 2006, with the U.S. military reporting its 35th deat of thhe month Thursday.

The figures were a sign of respite from years of bloodshed that forced some 2 million Iraqis to flee their homes and prompted the buildup of nearly 30,000 additional U.S. forces.

How do you know the surge is working? When even the Associated Press reports it.