86 U.S. deaths in Iraq, worst month since November 2004

[bigtree]

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - America's death toll in Iraq is now up to 86 this month. There haven't been that many U.S. deaths in one month there in close to two years.

Five soldiers and a Marine became the latest victims over the weekend, killed by gunfire or roadside bombs. One of those blasts also took the life of a member of the international force that trains police in Iraq.

The U.S. military had expected the Muslim holy month to be a bloody one. It ends today, and even many Iraqis aren't taking any chances. Many in Baghdad are staying home and avoiding public celebrations. One teacher says he'd rather phone or send a text message of good wishes.

Meanwhile, Iraq's deputy prime minister says coalition forces can't abandon his country while things are so volatile. He contends Iraqi forces will control up to eight of Iraq's 18 provinces by year's end.

http://www.kfty.com/news/world/story.aspx?content_id=3B30CAAF-7429-4F52-8C07-0F9E3B834538



http://journals.democraticunderground.com/bigtree

[lebkuchen]

1. 2,800 Americans now, 90 coalition so far this month

Why are we in Iraq?

[bigtree]

2. our soldiers are at the point of the republicans' political campaigns