I keep track of the combat fatality reports for Iraq and Afghanistan. I do so because I care about the young men and women who serve in these countries. I support them, and I support the mission.
Do you remember when President Bush was commander-in-chief? The mainstream media was constantly - even daily - reporting the combat fatalities (KIA) in Iraq and Afghanistan. I supported this reporting that was usually done appropriately.
The political agenda and motivation of the mainstream media, however, is revealed in how the reporting of KIA in SWA (Killed-in-Action in Soutwest Asia) has stopped since President Obama has taken office. The effort of the media, of course, was to undermine the Presidency of Mr. Bush - not to honor those who have served and died.
The effort of the press now seems to be to "cover up" anything that would discredit Mr. Obama in the eyes of his primary supporters.
I support the mission and I mourn the deaths.
Look at the numbers and decide for yourself. My source is iCasualties.org.
When President Bush was Commander-in-Chief: US KIA in Iraq = 4221 (2003-2008). During the years that President Obama was Commander-in-Chief: US KIA in Iraq = 164 (2009- Feb 2011).
When President Bush was Commander-in-Chief: US KIA in Afghanistan = 630 (2001-2008). During the years that President Obama was Commander-in-Chief: US KIA in Afghanistan = 861 (2009- Feb 2011).
Where is the mainstream media?
Coalition Fatalities in Iraq through February 2011
| Year | US | UK | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 486 | 53 | 41 | 580 |
| 2004 | 849 | 22 | 35 | 906 |
| 2005 | 846 | 23 | 28 | 897 |
| 2006 | 822 | 29 | 21 | 872 |
| 2007 | 904 | 47 | 10 | 961 |
| 2008 | 314 | 4 | 4 | 322 |
| 2009 | 149 | 1 | 0 | 150 |
| 2010 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 60 |
| 2011 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Total | 4439 | 179 | 139 | 4757 |
Coalition Fatalities in Afghanistan through February 2011
| Year | US | UK | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| 2002 | 49 | 3 | 18 | 70 |
| 2003 | 48 | 0 | 10 | 58 |
| 2004 | 52 | 1 | 7 | 60 |
| 2005 | 99 | 1 | 31 | 131 |
| 2006 | 98 | 39 | 54 | 191 |
| 2007 | 117 | 42 | 73 | 232 |
| 2008 | 155 | 51 | 89 | 295 |
| 2009 | 317 | 108 | 96 | 521 |
| 2010 | 499 | 103 | 109 | 711 |
| 2011 | 45 | 10 | 16 | 71 |
| Total | 1491 | 358 | 503 | 2352 |
