As of Tuesday, July 11, 2006, at least 2,544 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes seven military civilians. At least 2,010 died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers. The AP count is two higher than the Defense Department's tally, last updated Tuesday at 10 a.m. EDT The British military has reported 113 deaths; Italy, 32; Ukraine, 18; Poland, 17; Bulgaria, 13; Spain, 11; Slovakia, Denmark three each; El Salvador, Estonia, Netherlands, Thailand, two each; and Australia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Romania, one death each. Since the start of U.S. military operations in Iraq, 18,874 U.S. service members have been wounded, according to a Defense Department tally.
Associated Press/AP Online; 7/11/2006
BAGHDAD, Iraq - An al-Qaida-linked group claims it killed three U.S. soldiers last month and mutilated two of their bodies to avenge the rape-slaying of a young Iraqi woman by troops of the same unit, an institute which monitors extremists Web sites said Tuesday.
O! This day! This white age!
Too pasty fair and drained,
Like the mortal banshee’s grace
Across the mind’s wet and bony floor.
Dreaming of a splintered morning,
Indignant of the fasting light of truth
As we fearfully slumber
And mumble low our fusty pledge.
Who would want another shard-pained death?
Another shadow-gnashing brown foe
Steeped in scarlet sorrow
Ready to die for their true brown God?
This alliance of counterfeit certainty
Topples down exhausted of breathing
Most ready of a comprehension,
A grave and granite like reason.
Italy, Poland, Bulgaria, Slovakia,
El Salvador, Estonia, Denmark and Spain.
Netherlands, Thailand, Australia, Hungary,
Kazakhstan, Latvia, Romania and Ukraine.
The consuming teeth of the bear, afraid,
The plunging blade under the rib of man,
Beauty upon the steps
Love lounging fangs deep inside death.
O! This day! This white time!
Too pasty fair and drained,
Like the mortal spirit’s noise
Mumbling low the fusty pledge.
O! Three! Three! Three!
Bring your grace `round to face us!
Who would want to ravage her fear?
Shatter it down to ragged end!
O! This day! This white age!
War, gently at first, entices smiles away,
When men of honor shirk the wits for agony
She falls violated, deep to a wet and bony floor.
Copyright © 2006 mrp / thepoetryman
Inspired by Glenda in the Land of Oz
