Link: Iraq: 85,000 Civilians Killed from 2004-2008

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s government said at least 85,000 people were killed from 2004 to 2008, officially answering one of the biggest questions of the conflict — how many perished in the sectarian violence that nearly led to a civil war.

What remains unanswered is how many died in the 2003 U.S. invasion and in the months of chaos that followed it.

A report by the Human Rights Ministry said 85,694 people were killed from the beginning of 2004 to Oct. 31, 2008 and 147,195 were wounded. The figures included Iraqi civilians, military and police but did not cover U.S. military deaths, insurgents, or foreigners, including contractors. And it did not include the first months of the war after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.

This report is staggering indeed and incredibly tragic. However, many feel that the first year was by far the worst. To give you a better idea of the real body count, here are some well respected third-party opinions, here’s a screenshot from Wikipedia:

Good work Bush. Advice to Obama—do not continue the trend.

Thanks to Steve H. for the link.