Quote:
Originally posted by rcecale
I'm curious what you're using as your source for that "650,000" total. According to this site, that number is greatly exagerated.
Granted, the numbers in the image above, as stated by the source, are estimates. The source is actually an organization who's sole mission is the accounting of lives lost during this war.
"THE IRAQ BODY COUNT PROJECT
This is an ongoing human security project which maintains and updates the world’s only independent and comprehensive public database of media-reported civilian deaths in Iraq that have resulted from the 2003 military intervention by the USA and its allies. The count includes civilian deaths caused by coalition military action and by military or paramilitary responses to the coalition presence (e.g. insurgent and terrorist attacks).
It also includes excess civilian deaths caused by criminal action resulting from the breakdown in law and order which followed the coalition invasion. Results and totals are continually updated and made immediately available here and on various IBC web counters which may be freely displayed on any website or homepage, where they are automatically updated without further intervention.
Casualty figures are derived from a comprehensive survey of online media reports from recognized sources. Where these sources report differing figures, the range (a minimum and a maximum) are given. This method is also used to deal with any residual uncertainty about the civilian or non-combatant status of the dead. All results are independently reviewed and error-checked by at least three members of the Iraq Body Count project team before publication."
I've seen the reports on CNN's site where they state their 655,000, but these reports have been disputed by not only GWB, whom I'm sure you'll roll your eyes over, but by Gen. Casey, along with several other entities.
Randy
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The numbers used by the US government don't include anyone not killed by ground fire. So called "collateral damage", those killed by uncontrolled violence between Iraqi clans (unleashed by the invasion), and other causes.
The 650,000 plus figure comes from well researched work, using modern statistical methods routinely used by government itself, and industry and the private sector, to determine program and policy effectiveness.
In short, they are as reliable as possible in a dangerous war zone.