Opinion | Editorials
For whom the death tolls
While Iraq may not be the headline news it once was, that could easily change.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:05 March 26, 2008
Just after the Iraq invasion in 2003 the American military were at pains to point out that they did not do body counts of civilian deaths. It was just one of many acts of arrogance that distanced the occupiers from those they were legally meant to protect.
There is, though, a count of American military deaths and that has reached a grim total of 4,000. The figure was announced just as Iraq was being sidelined in America due to coverage of the sub-prime crisis and the nomination process.
Figures for civilian deaths are much higher and range from 60,000 to more than a million. Whatever figure is closer to reality there is no denying the catastrophe for civilians that was unleashed by the invasion. While Iraq may not be the headline news it once was, that could easily change.
The White House will shortly announce that it is suspending planned troop withdrawals from Iraq and the manner in which the Democrats respond to this will have an impact on the election.
It is not difficult to forecast with disturbing certainty that there will be more violent deaths between now and November, military and civilian.
As election day looms larger Iraq will present both Republicans and Democrats with some tough choices.
Related Links
More from Editorials
More from Opinions
Opinion Editor's choice
-
Egyptians must reject foreign meddling
By Tariq Ramadan, Special to Gulf News
Presidential election may turn out to be less a new chapter in a democratic future than an old chapter complete with a stage-managed outcome
-
Moderates may gift Egypt to Islamists
By Linda S. Heard, Special to Gulf News
Liberals cannot afford to sit at home or in cafes watching queues lengthen outside polling stations. They must quit complaining and vote with their feet
-
Is Al Maliki serious about democracy and more words?
By Mohammad Akef Jamal, Special to Gulf News
He is pushing towards a military showdown with the Kurds at a time when they are stronger than ever before
Your turn
