[WHBates]

"More than 600 Iraqis, mostly civilians, have been killed in the past week of fighting in Fallujah and scores more wounded, according to Rafie al-Issawi, the head of the city's hospital."

To be honest I don't believe this. Maybe 600 (I hope) but not civilians.

[caisson71]

Amazing. These engagements do not result in any murdering terrorists being killed, only innocent civilians.

[GoLightly]

This deal about "civilians", er, are there any putting on any kind of uniform to identify themselves as some kind of "legitimate" force? I'd have to think all would be civilians. Some of them would be criminals & others would be innocents caught in the crossfire. Acording to laws in the US, innocents killed in crossfire are cause for additional charges against the criminals.

[okie01]

"More than 600 Iraqis, mostly civilians, have been killed in the past week...

"To be honest I don't believe this. Maybe 600 (I hope) but not civilians."

They're not wearing uniforms. So, superficially, they are civilians. To the military, though, that makes them "enemy combatants"...and fair game.

Thereby, the reporter's use of this clause (and the editor's approval) conclusively demonstrates that AP is either a.) possessed of a controlling anti-military bias or b.) just plain ignorant.

Of course, it could also be c.), both of the above.