Commanding General in Iraq calls 62 dead troops in July, "a positive sign"

General: Death toll down as U.S., Iraq forces take control


BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The U.S. troop casualty figures in Iraq that jumped this spring have been gradually dropping because U.S. and Iraqi forces are stabilizing volatile and dangerous areas, a U.S. commander said Thursday.

Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, commanding general of the Multi-National Corps-Iraq, called the development in recent weeks "an initial positive sign."

"This is what we thought would happen once we get control of the real key areas that are controlled by these terrorists," Odierno said at a press conference.

At the same time, he said, "I need a bit more time to make an assessment of whether it's a true trend or not."

So far in July, 62 U.S. troops have died, according to Pentagon figures compiled by CNN.

The previous three months were the deadliest three-month stretch in the war, with 104 deaths in April, 126 in May and 101 in June. There were 83 deaths in January and 81 each in February and March.

"We've now gone into those areas with Iraqi security forces and going into these areas we knew would be tough in the beginning,. We've now taken control of these areas. Since then, we've now started to see a slow, gradual reduction in casualties. And it continues in July."

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/07/26/iraq.us.deaths/index.html

:wtf:

just don't count DBs or acknowledge the coffins.

...that's 62 less people likely to come home and vote Democratic in the next election.

It's also going to make caging a little bit easier.

See? It's all a 'glass half full mentality'.

K&R.

something to do with it, 'eh?

to be judged for its effectiveness? i trust a few generals, but this isn't one.

BushCo gets to be more of a farce with each passing day.

But, of course, the good general loves his troops and sheds crocodile tears over them when they get blown to bits in an illegal and failed war.

This is what you get with corrupt republican leadership. They seek one-party rule and a military obedient to the party.

Sound familiar?

Thanks republican voters.

ARTHUR:
Victory is mine!
kneeling
We thank Thee Lord, that in Thy mer--
BLACK KNIGHT:
Hah!
kick
Come on, then.
ARTHUR:
What?
BLACK KNIGHT:
Have at you!
kick
ARTHUR:
Eh. You are indeed brave, Sir Knight, but the fight is mine.
BLACK KNIGHT:
Oh, had enough, eh?
ARTHUR:
Look, you stupid bastard. You've got no arms left.
BLACK KNIGHT:
Yes, I have.
ARTHUR:
Look!
BLACK KNIGHT:
Just a flesh wound.
kick
ARTHUR:
Look, stop that.
BLACK KNIGHT:
Chicken!
kick
Chickennn!
ARTHUR:
Look, I'll have your leg.
kick
Right!
whop
ARTHUR chops the BLACK KNIGHT's right leg off