They are claiming violence is down from the surge

Violence in Baghdad

But the calm was broken after nightfall. The rumbling of artillery fire was heard throughout Baghdad.

In recent days, U.S. gunners have pummeled areas of south Baghdad used as suspected staging ground for car bombings and other attacks.

There was no immediate word from the military on the latest apparent barrage. Residents said the shelling was concentrated on the mostly Sunni area of Dora.

Two comments from the Today In Iraq blog:

Of course all the spin is that "violence has been down in Baghdad," because of course, this doesn't count as violence. And we will never find out what casualties or damage resulted, either. Well, of course, there weren't any -- this is just a method of maintaining security. - cervantes

"NPR is reporting that Petraeus is attacking Sunni neighborhoods in Baghdad with artillery! Are these people completely fucking nuts?"

No, they're completely fucking sane. Sooner or later the Sunnis in Bagdhad are going to get the message that they have no friends there, and that only death awaits them. Then they leave. Then political killings and sectarian violence drops. Thus the surge was a success. Thus the Republicans have a chance of winning the next US election. Oh yes folks, we're dropping artillery shells on civilain neighbourhoods to ensure re-election in the greatest democracy in the world! - Rafer