I know our troops have a hard enough time keeping themselves alive . . .

[bigtree]

. . . but this is as good a measure as any of the inability of our military forces in keeping Iraqis from harm:


Civilian death toll spikes in Iraq

The number of civilians killed in Iraq jumped to nearly 2,000 in May, the highest monthly toll since the start of a US-backed security crackdown in February, according to figures released today.

An Interior Ministry official, who did not want to be named, said 1,944 civilians were killed in May, a 29 per cent hike over April. At least 174 soldiers and policemen were killed in the same period.

The death toll was based on statistics compiled by Iraq's ministries of interior, defence and health on the number of people killed and wounded in attacks in Iraq.

After three months of declines, there has been a sharp rise in the number of sectarian murders in Baghdad. Mortar attacks in the capital are becoming deadlier and car bombs remain common.

At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured in two mortar attacks on Shi'ite and Sunni neighbourhoods in Baghdad in the past 48 hours. In today's attack, 10 people were killed and 30 injured in a barrage on the Sunni Fadhil district. Militants also blew up a strategic bridge that links Baghdad to the northern cities of Kirkuk and Arbil.

Police, who reported fewer than 10 sectarian murders a day in the first weeks of the security crackdown, are now typically reporting 30 or more.

http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0602/breaking33.htm


The increase in civilian killings in Iraq tracks the increased deployment of U.S. troops. Even if our forces were somehow suppressing the violence, an increase in their casualties would be expected. The fact that that increase in U.S. casualties hasn't decreased the danger for Iraqis at all is the first failed 'benchmark' which should be recognized above all others (and by Iraqis as they consider passing legislation telling us to leave) as we measure the effect of the escalation.


related:

US Army kills three Iraqi children unintentionally

6/2/2007 12:44:00 PM

BAGHDAD, June 2 (KUNA) -- Three children were killed unintentionally early on Saturday when a US tank targeted terrorists as they were planting an explosive device near Fallujah, west of Baghdad, the US Army said on Saturday.

In a statement, the army said the US tank was targeting three terrorists as they were planting the explosives, adding that one militant was wounded but all three escaped.

Another explosion took place in the same place, but it was yet unknown what had caused it.

According to the statement, two children of seven and nine years were killed, while a third died of his wounds while on his way to hospital.

The incident is currently under investigation, it added.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=1750691&Language=en


http://journals.democraticunderground.com/bigtree

[frogcycle]

1. says it all

Any serious effort to suppress the carnage would require imposition of a thorough "police state" - I mean armed police/soldiers/whatever EVERYWHERE, with shoot-to-kill instructions if anyone looks the least bit snarky. THAT is why this so-called "surge" is such a cynical and immoral ploy - throwing more fish into the barrel while the shooters keep shooting does nothing but kill more fish, and the CinC knew it when he insisted on finding a general who would go along with it. He is INTENTIONALLY increasing carnage to create whatever the hell his "vision" is of the future - I think he is totally 'round the bend, one of the "rapture" freaks, and thinks if he can just bring on Armageddan he will finally be successful at something.

[bigtree]

2. He's got to keep gambling with the lives in the middle of his game

or he's pegged with the failure. If he can just keep limping our forces along, he thinks he can saddle the next administration with the inevitable collapse of his junta.

You're right that he hasn't even committed the amount of forces necessary to suppress a resistance of this scale and resolve. And, he's still fueling and encouraging attacks on our soldiers by increasing the available targets.

Sadly, incidents of 'collateral' killings are inevitable, but they are not being given enough consideration as to their effect in stirring up the resistance and influencing even more Iraqis to violent expressions of liberty and self-determination, which those in charge of prosecuting this escalation just regard as threats to their consolidation of power.

[alfredo]

3. What contries did not give bush immunity from the ICC?

Maybe we can appeal to them to bring charges.