Iraq war deaths can’t be ignored any longer

LaRue S. Boenig, Henderson

Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008 | 2:05 a.m.

With all this ballyhoo by the media regarding the upcoming election and because of the continuous, 24/7 shock-and-startle coverage of this election, we have somehow taken our eye off the ball and are unmindful of the events concerning Iraq. (I am guilty as charged.)

A very brief update: On Feb. 1 two mentally disabled women were strapped with remote-controlled explosives, killing 73 people in two pet bazaars. On Monday, two car bombs killed as many as 22 people and wounded numerous others, indicating the Iraqi insurgents are still active.

We keep hearing that the “surge” is working and the airstrikes result in fewer American deaths. Unfortunately, more innocent and blameless Iraqis are killed. In early February, it was reported that the United States accidentally killed nine innocent civilians, including children. This is occurring more times than not.

Now Defense Secretary Robert Gates supports a “pause,” which I believe translates to delaying the withdrawal of our troops from this unwinnable war. In the meantime the devastating war in Afghanistan is still going on.

I can only hope that the next president (he or she) will end this unnecessary war and bring our troops home once and for all.