Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Operation Iraqi massacre: Liz, this one's for you
The world congratulates the US coalition, whose concerted efforts have brought peace to it's streets, and sovereignty to the appointed governments worldwide (but particularly in Iraq).
However, the US army must reconsider its training regimen, particularly regarding 'friendly fire.' Whilst in Iraq, only 493 of the 842 Americans killed were from 'hostile fire,' meaning that over 40 percent of US casualties are self inflicted. (figures correct as of Friday 25/6/2004). This figure is worsened when you consider the death toll of the Iraqi citizens, for whose freedom the US soldiers are killing each other. US soldiers have killed between 9451 and 11333 civilian Iraqis meaning that their 'friendly fire' deaths constitute around 95 percent of US kills. That means that for every US solder felled by enemy fire, US soldiers kill 21 of their friends.
Let's hope that Iraqis have the decency to thank them for their efforts.
As a postscript, I've often wondered what's so friendly about 'friendly fire.' Does the soldier yell 'fore' just as the bullet slices into your flesh? Is it more honourable to be killed by your friend than by an enemy, particularly an Arab, of ALL people...?
However, the US army must reconsider its training regimen, particularly regarding 'friendly fire.' Whilst in Iraq, only 493 of the 842 Americans killed were from 'hostile fire,' meaning that over 40 percent of US casualties are self inflicted. (figures correct as of Friday 25/6/2004). This figure is worsened when you consider the death toll of the Iraqi citizens, for whose freedom the US soldiers are killing each other. US soldiers have killed between 9451 and 11333 civilian Iraqis meaning that their 'friendly fire' deaths constitute around 95 percent of US kills. That means that for every US solder felled by enemy fire, US soldiers kill 21 of their friends.
Let's hope that Iraqis have the decency to thank them for their efforts.
As a postscript, I've often wondered what's so friendly about 'friendly fire.' Does the soldier yell 'fore' just as the bullet slices into your flesh? Is it more honourable to be killed by your friend than by an enemy, particularly an Arab, of ALL people...?
