If Large Troop Death Toll Mounts, Will Public Oppose Staying In Iraq?

[David__77]

If the death toll (and this is a macabre topic, I know) mounts to over 1,000 or 2,000, which is entirely possible in the event that insurgency becomes generalized and groups like the Shia SCIRI take to arms, will the US public sour on the notion of "Operation Iraqi Freedom"?

I think so. I think that already we are seeing the beginnings of this, at home and among the troops. There is no collaborator Iraqi government to provide political cover for US forces. Iraq is a magnet for anti-US Arab forces. It could become a shooting gallery of sorts. Obviously, people with nothing to lose aren't afraid of US admonitions or brutality. As occupation drags on, suicide bombings and other unconventional war tactics will multiply, barring a major turn of events. This will cause the death toll to mount.

US media comment that "since 9/11," Americans will "more willing" to accept troop deaths, and that the "Vietnam syndrome" is gone. I don't believe it at all. Americans still demand that war serve certain aims, and that these be clear and just. As it becomes clear that the people of Iraq reject American occupation, the rationale of "Iraqi Freedom" brought by American missiles will evaporate.

It would be devastating to Bush's presidency if the insurgency cannot be stopped. And it lacks the means to do this-short of withdrawing all forces. We may face a different sort of landscape a year from now.

[fertilizeonarbusto]

1. watch it happen

n/t

[acmavm]

2. If the death toll continues to mount and if the families of the troops

become more vocal, it won't take 2,000.

[flamingyouth]

3. We've already seen

the sheeple's impression of the war drop dramatically from "going well" to "not going well." I can't remember who posted that poll last week, but I was not at all surprised to read it.

[papau]

4. 83 dead since victory lap - US Media doesn't care

Rove demands US media say 37 "combat"

Rove demands "collition" dead reference rather than US and Brit

Rove demands total pre and post victory lap dead not be combined.

Rove demands no casket photos on TV.

Rove demands no casualty count - 900 folks that may have lost limbs, or maybe "just blood" - are not to be discussed.

And the US media says "Yes sir"


Maybe the 1000th - US plus Brit - casualty could be media milestone report?

Or will that be unpatriotic?