. . . but this is as good a measure as any of the inability of our military forces in keeping Iraqis from harm:
Civilian death toll spikes in IraqThe number of civilians killed in Iraq jumped to nearly 2,000 in May, the highest monthly toll since the start of a US-backed security crackdown in February, according to figures released today.
An Interior Ministry official, who did not want to be named, said 1,944 civilians were killed in May, a 29 per cent hike over April. At least 174 soldiers and policemen were killed in the same period.
The death toll was based on statistics compiled by Iraq's ministries of interior, defence and health on the number of people killed and wounded in attacks in Iraq.
After three months of declines, there has been a sharp rise in the number of sectarian murders in Baghdad. Mortar attacks in the capital are becoming deadlier and car bombs remain common.
At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured in two mortar attacks on Shi'ite and Sunni neighbourhoods in Baghdad in the past 48 hours. In today's attack, 10 people were killed and 30 injured in a barrage on the Sunni Fadhil district. Militants also blew up a strategic bridge that links Baghdad to the northern cities of Kirkuk and Arbil.
Police, who reported fewer than 10 sectarian murders a day in the first weeks of the security crackdown, are now typically reporting 30 or more.
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0602/breaking33.htmThe increase in civilian killings in Iraq tracks the increased deployment of U.S. troops. Even if our forces were somehow suppressing the violence, an increase in their casualties would be expected. The fact that that increase in U.S. casualties hasn't decreased the danger for Iraqis at all is the first failed 'benchmark' which should be recognized above all others (and by Iraqis as they consider passing legislation telling us to leave) as we measure the effect of the escalation.related:
US Army kills three Iraqi children unintentionally6/2/2007 12:44:00 PM
BAGHDAD, June 2 (KUNA) -- Three children were killed unintentionally early on Saturday when a US tank targeted terrorists as they were planting an explosive device near Fallujah, west of Baghdad, the US Army said on Saturday.
In a statement, the army said the US tank was targeting three terrorists as they were planting the explosives, adding that one militant was wounded but all three escaped.
Another explosion took place in the same place, but it was yet unknown what had caused it.
According to the statement, two children of seven and nine years were killed, while a third died of his wounds while on his way to hospital.
The incident is currently under investigation, it added.
http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=1750691&Language=en http://journals.democraticunderground.com/bigtree