Can We Call It a Trend Now?
There was some debate between Colby and I earlier this year regarding the war in Iraq and troop deaths declining. I claimed the Surge was working but he claimed, or hoped, it was merely just an anomaly at the time.
By golly, I ran across this today.
BAGHDAD - U.S. military deaths in Iraq have fallen in May to the lowest monthly level in more than four years.
Officials said 21 American troops have been killed this month, four of them in non-hostile incidents. That's one more than the lowest monthly figure of the war, set in February 2004.
Civilian casualties were down sharply, too. At least 522 Iraqi civilians and security troopers were killed this month, according to figures compiled by The Associated Press from Iraqi police and military reports. That's down sharply from April's figure of 1,080 and the lowest monthly total this year.
I know I'm kinda thick, but it's lookin' like a trend to me.
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8 comments
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8 comments
7 months and 8 days ago
Tough break for Colby and the rest of the America-haters.
7 months and 7 days ago
So the point of the escalation was to have continued American deaths, but at a slower rate?
When can we declare victory and go home?
7 months and 7 days ago
Jim,
The point is to win the war against radical Islamic terrorism against the US and Americans. Also to stabilize the Middle East to ensure the free flow of oil.
It may take decades and we will probably be there for decades.
Do you seriously think Obama, should he become President, will pull the troops out?
7 months and 7 days ago
Just keep repeating those talking points, they are really doing great for you Republicans. Sing it loud!
7 months and 7 days ago
This is some good comedy. I should visit this blog more often - they say a laugh a day is good for you.
--Jim Lang
Thanks for visiting again, Jim! And thanks for your comedic contributions to this thread!
PS: But don't confuse being glib with being smart, Jim.
7 months and 7 days ago
Jim,
I've got my talking points and you've got yours!
Just because it may be a talking point doesn't make it untrue.
I'm singin' it loud and clear, my friend!
7 months and 6 days ago
Here's a talking point:
BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's oil production and exports have risen to their highest levels since the March 2003 U.S.-led invasion, the Oil Ministry said Monday.
The country's exports reached 2.11 million barrels a day in March while the total output stood at about 2.5 million barrels a day, spokesman Assem Jihad told The Associated Press.
«The figures in May showed that we have succeeded in reaching the prewar levels both in production and exports,» he said.
Iraq sits on the world's third-largest proven petroleum reserves, totaling more than 115 billion barrels. But the industry is plagued by a lack of modern equipment and training after decades of U.N. sanctions, war and Saddam Hussein's ruinous rule.
The country plans to boost oil output to 3 million barrels a day by the end of 2008 and 4.5 million barrels a day by end of 2013. Iraq hopes to earn about $70 billion in oil revenues this year if crude oil prices remain high and the country maintains stability in major producing areas.
(Call it a trend!)
7 months and 6 days ago
Oh Butters,
Tell us how do we fight guerrilla warfare.
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