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Achieving Every Objective
According to Reuters: Violence in Iraq has dropped by 70 percent since the end of June, when U.S. forces completed their build-up of 30,000 extra troops [the surge]
According to Iraq coalition casualties, between June 15, 07 and October 12, 07 (the height of the surge; a period of 58 days), we lost 317 Americans in Iraq. This works out to an average of 5.47 deaths per day- making this the deadliest period in the history of the second Iraq War (so far). Keep in mind- this does not include allies, civilians, contractors or the injured- I am focusing here on our fallen American soldiers.
In the last ten days (Oct 13-Oct 22, 07), 20 American soldiers have fallen in Iraq. This averages to 2 deaths per day. Compared to 5.47, this is a 63.5% decrease- which is fantastic news. As best I can tell, this article might include some kernels of truth; the situation in Iraq might be getting better.
In the meantime, consider this- if the average holds, 2 American soldiers will sacrifice their lives tomorrow. Which two will it be? Will it be one of your loved ones? This is the nightmare that our military families suffer with every day.
I hate this war as much as anyone, but these families represent the very best of American patriotism- for better, or for worse.
As best I can tell, our troops conquered Iraq within about 30 days, captured Saddam about six months after that, and- this is critical- curbed the major violence in Iraq in 58 days after being issued a legitimate strategy from above. These men and women are the most fantastic force on the planet, and they have achieved every single military objective we have asked them to achieve.
The have done a fantastic job, and if this article is true, it sounds to me like they have earned the right to come home.
Here’s hoping.
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