[Schrodinger's Cat]

The problem is that people end up arguing belief systems. By definition, you can't argue a belief. We have far too little hard data and far too much nebulous, anecdotal reporting in regard to the Iraqi situation. The study in The Lancet is the first one I have seen that uses solid research methodology and has actually been subjected to peer review.

I am not happy to read its results. If Undertoad or Richlevy or anyone else knows of a reliable study which shows a smaller civilian death toll, I would be delighted to see it. The US military seems very proud of its precision weaponery. If US weapons and technology are indeed as precise as claimed, General Franks should be able to firmly assert a minor loss of civilian lives. Instead, he refuses to make any comment either way.

As a scientist, I am left with only the Lancet article to go by.