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Coalition Death Toll in Iraq Reaches 3000

Another five US Marines and soldiers were killed in Iraq over the weekend, bringing the death toll of coalition forces in this war-torn region to a grim 3000. The United States, by far, holds the record for the number of its citizens and soldiers killed since the war broke out in March 2003. Out of the 3000 in total, 2759 US troops and 7 contracted civilians were killed in Iraq. Among the other countries that lost soldiers and civilians to the war are Britain (119), Italian (32), the Ukraine (18) and Poland (17).

52 American servicemen were killed in October this year alone, bringing the 2006 death toll thus far to 586. Insurgents continue to target what they call an occupying force and are successful in wounding and killing soldiers in various acts of terror, including sniper shootings, booby-trapped cars and roadside bombs. Coalition country civilians working in Iraq are also targeted by kidnappers who demand the release of jailed Iraqis in return for their release. In many cases, the civilians are later found beheaded or executed by gunshot.

As the United States gears up for its fourth year of war in Iraq, the American people are showing signs of fatigue. With no foreseeable solution to the many problems in the Middle East and with the death toll rising daily, many Americans are calling for the President to admit defeat and bring the servicemen and women home. President Bush?s popularity is at an all time low and the American public is urging him to prevent a second Vietnam situation before four years turns into ten.