Congressman David Obey (D-WI) has a novel explanation for the large drop in casualties in Iraq. He believes that the terrorists and sectarian thugs are running out of people to kill:

“There are fewer targets of opportunity,” Obey said in a speech to the National Press Club.

Obey was responding to a question about reports touted by Republicans that security is improving in Iraq and that President Bush’s “surge” strategy is working. He stressed that military success has not led to political reconciliation. “The issue has never been military,”

Obey said. “The issue has always been political improvement.” As the House’s top appropriator, Obey has his hands on the nation’s purse strings, giving him a significant say on the war in Iraq.