Keep in mind that your information sources also have an axe to grind.

The intermittent terror attacks could also be considered "anecdotal victories" that have made no real progress. The insurgents and terrorists control no territory, have no alternative government, and contrary to Mao's handbook, offer the people nothing better. All they are able to do is kill, and mostly Iraqis at that. The only difference is their victories get endless news coverage, and the terrorist body count doesn't often make it into the reports.

For more on the politics over there, which any rational person would agree are messy at best, read here.