The following analysis, compiled by Knight Ridder Newspapers, ran in an article on the cover of the Detroit Free Press last Saturday (22 January 2005).  Surprisingly, I haven’t heard any reaction from either the media or general public regarding this story.  I wonder why.  Is it that we are too accustomed to the quagmire, or did the Condi Rice hearing overshadow the story, or is it that the article is just too painful/embarrassing/(insert you favorite adjective) to comprehend and accept? Perhaps it’s all of the above…

BAGHDAD, Iraq—Unless something dramatic changes, the United States is heading toward losing the war in Iraq.

A Knight Ridder Newspapers analysis of U.S. government statistics shows the U.S. military steadily losing ground to the predominately Sunni Muslim insurgency in Iraq.

The analysis suggests that, short of a newfound will by Iraqis to reject the insurgency or a large escalation of U.S. troop strength, the United States won’t win the war.

[Just some of the startling facts]

Combat deaths: U.S. military fatalities from hostile acts have risen from an average of about 17 per month just after President George W. Bush declared an end to major combat operations on May 1, 2003, to an average of 82 per month.

Wounded: The average number of U.S. soldiers wounded by hostile acts per month has spiraled from 142 to 808 during the same period. Iraqi civilians have suffered even more deaths and injuries, although reliable statistics aren’t available.

The article: U.S. in Danger of Losing the War

Sadly, another 35 soldiers died today in two seperate incidents (31 in a helicopter crash).

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