U.S. death toll in first month of "surge" is nearly twice that of Iraqi army said to be taking lead

[DeepModem Mom]

NYT/AP: U.S. March Toll Nearly Twice Iraq Forces
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: March 31, 2007

BAGHDAD (AP) -- The U.S. military death toll in March, the first full month of the security crackdown, was nearly twice that of the Iraqi army, which American and Iraqi officials say is taking the leading role in the latest attempt to curb violence in the capital, surrounding cities and Anbar province, according to figures compiled on Saturday.

The Associated Press count of U.S. military deaths for the month was 81, including a soldier who died from non-combat causes Saturday. Figures compiled from officials in the Iraqi ministries of Defense, Health and Interior showed the Iraqi military toll was 44. The Iraqi figures showed that 165 Iraqi police were killed in March. Many of the police serve in paramilitary units.

According to the AP count 3,246 U.S. service members have died in Iraq since the war began in March 2003....

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Iraq-March-Casualties.html

[ryanmuegge]

1. But the surge is working!

At least according to a right-wing media talking point.

It's easy to say that when there is no measurable way to know whether or not it is true. This is a measure to show that it is NOT working, which we all knew it wouldn't anyway.

[ClintonTyree]

6. Oh, they'll spin this as proof positive that it IS working....

I haven't a clue how they'll do it, but have no doubt, they will do it. Lies come as easy to them as drawing their next breath. They just don't care how many people they send to their deaths for the oil companies. :mad: They just don't freaking care.

[Xipe Totec]

2. The Iraqi army likes peanuts as much as the next guy,

and they love to watch a good firefight while eating them.

[orpupilofnature57]

3. Completely cut off from consequence ,Shrub is truly thinking like Nero

no evidence will sway him ,no ploy too low to deny it.

[loudsue]

4. 81 more Americans died for george bush.

:cry: I'm so sick of this! It's wrong on EVERY level!! :cry:

:kick::kick::kick:

[countryjake]

5. 517 Iraqis died this week...it's been one of the bloodiest months, ever...

Iraq blast targets hospital visitors - March 31, 2007
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/03/31/Iraq.main.ap/index.html

~snip~

"The attacks raised to at least 517 the number of people killed in the past seven days as suicide bombers and militiamen fought back ferociously despite a U.S.-Iraqi security sweep that is in its seventh week."