Violent deaths of Iraqi civilians, while difficult to measure, have also dropped steeply, although the figure remains high: about five hundred per month, at a conservative estimate.

NEWYORKER: The General��s Dilemma

In an economy growing at 2 percent a year, or one growing at 4 percent a year, and that is a conservative estimate.

FORBES: Global Growth Going Down, But Don't Blame The BRICs

Brazil should grow around 3 percent next year, a conservative estimate at this point.

FORBES: Global Growth Going Down, But Don't Blame The BRICs