U.S. goes 2 days without combat deaths in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP)

For a second straight day, the U.S. military reported no fatal attacks Sunday on American soldiers in Iraq. In a series of raids, troops detained two dozen people they said were participating in the violent resistance to the U.S. occupation, including a "targeted leader." ---

An Iraqi contract worker for the U.N. Development Program suffered minor injuries when his car hit a land mine on the road from Baghdad International Airport to the city center.

The explosion, which set the car ablaze, came shortly after the driver passed a convoy of three U.S. Humvees traveling the same road, which has been the scene of many recent attacks on American soldiers.

The American occupation authority also reported settling 1,168 claims totaling $262,263 brought by Iraqis for deaths, injuries or property damage by American forces.

Representatives of the U.S. Judge Advocate General's office in the Iraqi capital said it had received more than 2,500 claims for compensation and had dealt with nearly 1,500, rejecting about 20 percent as having no foundation. ---

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In their drive to keep numbers down they provide few details which leads to 13,000 media outlets reporting on a single 'fuzzy' death which takes at least two days for them all to report it. IMO, Centcom is shooting itself in the mouth. It gives the impression that many deaths have occured. If they would release clear details, time, and location there would be little confusion and a clearer perception of the number of deaths.

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Aug. 2 — A homemade bomb exploded under a convoy this morning, killing two American soldiers and their interpreter, and a grenade attack Friday night left another American dead, military officials said today.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/03/international/worldspecial/03BAGH.html?ex=1060862559&ei=1&en=d099345ef9aa9020

I know that they aren't being totally upfront with their casualty reports and the reports have all been very confusing. But there were definitely reports of casualties yesterday. The AP story, which will be picked up all over the country tomorrow, strikes me as the more interesting one to examine for motivation. The AP has been very, very pro-*.

I went there on another story and found a headline about "American killed...." When I followed it, the story no longer said an American had been killed. I also found their story on the burying of Saddam's sons where there was, supposedly, another causalty. That, too, has been changed.

Also interesting. I then went to check their list of names of the dead. They say 246 American soldiers dead in Iraq. They had a couple names I did not have and when I added those, I have 251 names.

There was a big explosion on the road the Baghdad International. An Iraqi was wounded.

Sounds like a failed attack.

According to the CNN weather, temp in Baghdad today: 115 F.

As soon as Bush left the White House for vacation, the death stopped.

I can think of a way to KEEP it stopped.

don't expect it will last,, however.

"The American occupation authority also reported settling 1,168 claims totaling $262,263 brought by Iraqis for deaths, injuries or property damage by American forces."

That works out to a measely $224.54 per claim. What a slap in the face.

Wouldn't * love a cap on malpractice claims at that level here in the US.

I mean 225 dollars in Iraq is most likely a lot more money than it is here in the states but how much more, would it be like 500, 1,000 dollars, 5,000 dollars? Still sorry ass pittance but it may be a welcomed gesture to some Iraqis.

Our military does not go out at night. In a few hours, it will be daylight.

This AP report is already in these publications-

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&q=%22For+a+second+straight+day%2C+the+U.S.+military+reported+no+fatal%22&btnG=Search+News

Here's the NYT story-

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/03/international/worldspecial/03BAGH.html?ex=1060862559&ei=1&en=d099345ef9aa9020

If soldiers died, it should not be overlooked just so someone gets a headline that will gain them favor from the admin.

I don't know which one of the these papers to write first :-(

NYT or CBS???

http://lunaville.org/warcasualties/Summary.aspx

"08/02/03 New York Times
A homemade bomb exploded under a convoy this morning, killing two American soldiers and their interpreter."

Is this confusing? Yes it it. Are we concerned? You bet. Are we going to do anything to rectify the situation? Not on your life.

Yeah, right. I am glad if no one died. I just don't think it will last.