IRAQ WAR: Civilian casualties

Regarding Reuters report on civilian casualties in the Iraq war, Mike Sullivan says: "Because Reuters reports the way they view these incidents unfolding doesn't mean it's fact. I have listened to military personnel or embedded reporters who were near the scenes for both incidents and to an Iraqi religious leader who explained what he thought happened. Both accounts differ sharply with Reuters' account, while Reuters appears to have an agenda right from the start by using the word "paranoia" in their opening line. If a vehicle keeps going, without slowing down or attempting to stop at the checkpoint the security forces have a self defense right to open fire. There are several coalition soldiers standing around with full battle dress and weapons at the ready. This should be a giant red flag to anyone. Just a few days before Marines and soldiers were killed learning that lesson the hard way along with exercising extreme vigilance while taking surrendering POWs. Let Saddam's regime and its sympathizers bring on more suicide bombers as they'll meet their fate in Iraq instead of having to track them down in the US or elsewhere. As the war progresses there is mounting evidence that coalition forces are being received with more appreciation and the rescue of the 19 year old Army PFC was made possible by Iraqis providing her location to our Special Ops folks. We'll see what happens when they get to Baghdad as that will be the real test along with maintaining the peace". RH: I agree entirely, but in general Reuters is one of the most reliable sources.

Ronald Hilton - 4/2/03