2 versions of "truth" survive fatal military attack in Iraq

[NNN0LHI]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003800483_iraq22.html

BAGHDAD — This much is agreed upon: At least six Iraqis died overnight Saturday when American attack helicopters pounded a cluster of homes in a dusty, nondescript neighborhood on the northern outskirts of Baghdad.

But the story of why those homes were targeted and who was killed depends on the storyteller.

The U.S. military said the dead were insurgents and the homes in the Husseiniyah district probably served as weapons depots; troops observed seven or more secondary explosions after the air assault. By the military's tally, six fighters were killed and five wounded.

Iraqi residents told a different version: The dead came from two Shiite Muslim families who lived in an area controlled by the powerful Mahdi Army militia. The bodies pulled from the rubble, locals say, were ordinary parents killed with their children in the middle of the night.

Locals counted 11 corpses — two men, two women, and seven children. Another 10 people were injured. Some Iraqi authorities put the death toll as high as 18.

[madokie]

1. winning their hearts and minds

[sinkingfeeling]

2. I think this same story happens every day in Iraq, week after week, month after month,

and year after year. We kill civilians by 'accident' over and over again.

[madokie]

3. to the extent that I wonder if it's accidentally on purpose

seems that way to me.

[Karenina]

4. Reducing the "excess" population.

Slap on the "Murikkkan" turrist label (TM) and yer HOME FREE!!!