Iraq violence down 55%, according to US officials

Violence is down 55% in Iraq since the US troop build-up began this summer, but it is unclear what role Iran played in the downturn, US officials said today, tempering recent optimism about Tehran’s waning support for militants with warnings that more needs to be done.

Underscoring the continuing security threats facing Iraqis, a parked car bomb exploded in a predominantly Shiite area in central Baghdad, killing at least seven people, wounding 12 and damaging several cars and stores, police said.