Decreasing Casualties for U.S. Troops & Goats for Terrorists

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/03/01/iraq.casualties/index.html

From CNN in the story at the above link: “Twenty-nine U.S. troops died in Iraq during February, the third-lowest total of the nearly five-year-old war, according to Pentagon figures compiled by CNN.” The story also reports that this is a trend of decreasing casualties.
This is great news. I hope other media outlets also report on this, however, none will give this the same attention had the death rate been the highest of the war.

Though this is great news, this is no consolation to the family and friends of the 29 troops that were killed. All the deaths are tragic and the goal is to reduce them to a level that indicates complete stability in Iraq. I doubt that happens within the year, however, it is the trend that is important right now. I have even seen reports that business is bad for the grave diggers at the grave yards in Iraq.

The Army has recently pulled out of Bosnia. The EU keeps a small force there and NATO still has a headquarters in Sarajevo, however, the mission is complete in Bosnia. In Kosovo, the Mission is not complete, however, we are getting close. Note one service member has been killed in action in either the Bosnia or Kosovo campaign. Considering we have been involved in that region for over ten years, this fact is amazing. I wished the same was true for Iraq, however, my point here is that it is possible for the Army to go somewhere without any combat casualties. In any campaign, there is always accidents, death from natural causes, suicides, and murders.

I hope the trend will continue and the need for our troops to be in Iraq will come to an end. I hope those in Iraq who oppose us will realize all they must do to win is end their fight and their reward will be life in a peaceful and prosperous society. Except for a few named individuals, it is that simple. Those guys should understand there is no reward for the hardship they bear. The casualty rate among them is astronomical. The risks are high. The living conditions are harsh. Again, just walk away. Life will be better. There may not be 70 virgins for you, but you will have a lot of time on your hands and an unlimited supply of goats.