The U.S. military recently released a series of slides that illustrate -- with breathtaking clarity -- the extraordinary gains made in the past year by American and Iraqi troops, and by the once hapless elected government of Iraq. The charts track military casualties, civilian deaths, security "incidents," explosions, and "ethno-sectarian deaths."

Each is remarkably similar, showing steady increases in 2006, followed by peaks in 2007, and massive declines this year. In retrospect, it seems clear that the violence reached its worst levels last year, as U.S. troops surged into Iraq. Perhaps conditions will worsen again, but the current trends show a powerful slide into relative peace and calm.

Of particular significance is the dearth of ethno-sectarian violence, a leading indicator of the potential for civil war in Iraq. By June, the number of deaths caused by Sunni-Shiite fighting was approaching zero. It seems -- finally -- that America and its Iraqi allies are moving ever closer to the moment when they can declare victory in Iraq. One chart shows a different trend line, rising dramatically in recent months: the number of enemy weapon caches found and cleared. Iraqi citizens are working with their government and the Americans to disarm the bad guys.

It may be a generation before the country recently ruled by one of the world's most violent tyrants becomes as peaceful as Bon Air. But the reports from Iraq justify realistic optimism.

We are deeply indebted to the fighting men and women of America and Iraq who have sacrificed so much for this emerging victory. And we are grateful that President Bush and other beleaguered political leaders here and in Baghdad displayed the moral courage to support the mission when so many were ready for surrender.