Iraqi Civilian Deaths: Time To Know the Truth

My e-mail to the BBC:

Dear David Gritten,

In “Iraqi civilian deaths shrouded in secrecy” (By David Gritten, BBC News website, Wednesday, 22 March 2006), you write:

Recent figures from the campaign group Iraq Body Count put the minimum number of civilians killed in Iraq since the US-led invasion three years ago at between 33,710 and 37,832.

Although the majority of those deaths were caused by insurgent attacks, multi-national forces stationed in Iraq ostensibly to protect the population have been responsible for a significant number.

QUESTION: Who told you that “the majority of those deaths were caused by insurgent attacks” ?

Thank you for your time and I look forward for your comments.

Kind regards,
Gabriele Zamparini

***

My e-mail to Iraq Body Count:

Dear John Sloboda and Hamit Dardagan,

In “Iraqi civilian deaths shrouded in secrecy” (By David Gritten, BBC News website, Wednesday, 22 March 2006), the BBC journalist writes:

Recent figures from the campaign group Iraq Body Count put the minimum number of civilians killed in Iraq since the US-led invasion three years ago at between 33,710 and 37,832.

Although the majority of those deaths were caused by insurgent attacks, multi-national forces stationed in Iraq ostensibly to protect the population have been responsible for a significant number.

Please, can I ask you if this is true? According to Iraq Body Count figures, is it true that “the majority of those deaths were caused by insurgent attacks” ?

Also, in his speech yesterday, PM Tony Blair said: “… those who have died, mainly in terrorist acts… " .

So, both PM Tony Blair and BBC’s journalist Gritten agree that the majority of Iraqi civilian deaths “were caused by insurgent attacks”.

Since the BBC’s journalist cites your figures, I ask you: Do you agree with them? According to Iraq Body Count figures, is it true that “the majority of those deaths were caused by insurgent attacks” ?

I would be very grateful if you could reply this question. Thank you.

Kind regards,
Gabriele Zamparini

***

The BBC replies:

Dear Gabriele,

Thank-you for your feedback on my article.

I have changed the second paragraph to read "many of those deaths" rather than "the majority of those deaths".

Regards,

David Gritten

***

My reply to the BBC:

Dear David Gritten,

Thank you for your reply and for the changes you have made.

I still don’t understand: “the majority of those deaths were caused by insurgent attacks” . What a “slip”!

And what a coincidence that PM Tony Blair yesterday said: “… those who have died, mainly in terrorist acts… ".

Of course, “many of those deaths” could be anything. Let’s see then how “many of those deaths” were caused by the US led invasion.

"The researchers found that the majority of deaths were attributed to violence, which were primarily the result of military actions by Coalition forces. Most of those killed by Coalition forces were women and children... Eighty-four percent of the deaths were reported to be caused by the actions of Coalition forces and 95 percent of those deaths were due to air strikes and artillery." ('Iraqi Civilian Deaths Increase Dramatically After Invasion', October 28, 2004)

Oh yes, if you have the chance, please, could you pass the word to Mr. Blair. He must have been ill informed. Thanks.

Kind regards,
Gabriele Zamparini

***

I have not received any reply from Iraq Body Count