20,000 dead?

[Syrinx]

I've heard that's the total death count from Iraq. At least that was the figure quoted in that letter from John and Elaine Mellencamp. (That was a cool letter!)

ON EDIT: http://www.commondreams.org/views03/1022-13.htm

That's the total figure, approximately, of all Iraq war deaths. Including Americans, Iraqi civilians, and Iraqi military.

But aren't those Iraqi soldiers victims too?

[TreasonousBastard]

1. Some of us think...

everyone dead or injured in a war is a casualty, no matter who they are.

[Syrinx]

2. that's what I'm saying

Even the "enemy" soldiers weren't our enemies. They were victims. Just like the American soldiers. Out of 20,000 lives and deaths, what have we gained?

[niyad]

5. if you own halliburton or bechtel stock, you made a lot of money

the rest of the populace is losing loved ones, and slowly sinking into despair and economic ruin

[wtmusic]

3. 20K is low

The only (formal) estimate I've seen is a Guardian article which used interpolation of confirmed Iraqi military deaths with reported but unconfirmed deaths. The total came to between 13K and 43K. If we conservatively accept 20K, then add at least 8K well-documented civilian casualties (iraqbodycount.net) we get closer to 30K and likely higher.

[Syrinx]

4. it's insane

anyway you look at it.