Yon: “Bird’s Eye View”
A week after serious fighting began on 19 June, I watched as Michael Gordon of the New York Times and Alexandra Zavis of the Los Angeles Times tried to tally civilian deaths. After being out and seeing the battle first-hand, Gordon and Zavis were a few feet away from me, talking with Major Robbie Parke and comparing notes, trying to figure out the civilian deaths, and finally arriving at a consensus of about 7. Their earnestness was not an agenda-driven hunt for collateral damage victims. A number that low—and five of those deaths were from a single explosion that locals said had come from a US bomb—is almost unbelievable, considering the amount of firepower that had been used. Except when commanders have made avoiding civilian casualties a primary part of the battle plan, which is a basic tenet of counterinsurgency warfare. It’s hard to build civic relationships out of body parts.
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incredible work
I understand the ROI are frustrating and even may put our troops at unnecessary risk, but the reward of having the population turning to our side will end this sooner for all of us. It would be simpler just to bomb them into oblivion but that would not bring a lasting end to this and would not represent the kind of nation we are.
Godspeed Warriors
July 26th, 2007 at 10:10 amSteve in NC-
July 26th, 2007 at 11:55 amI always look forward to reading your comments, and as always, you never disappoint.
Michael Yon named this article correctly. It is indeed a “birds eye” view on the progress and problems that the US military faces in their day-to-day interactions with Iraqis.
He’s dead on when he talks about the “mayorship” of US commanders. Taking care of Ash and Trash is just as important as bombs and bullets.
Nice job Michael.
July 26th, 2007 at 2:16 pm