Iraq Human Shields Unhurt So Far, Briton Found

Reuters ^ | 3-25-03

[Oldeconomybuyer]

LONDON (Reuters) - Human shields in Iraq seeking to prevent the destruction of civilian infrastructure like power and water plants have so far been unhurt by U.S.-led bombing, while a British peace activist feared lost has been found. The Human Shield Action group said none of the 8 shielded sites, which include an oil refinery and food silo near Baghdad, had been hit since the Iraq war began last week.

"I think they're starting to think maybe they'll be alright, I think it's a bit early really," said Richard Scrase, director of the London-based Human Shield Action.

Worries for British human shield Leo Warren of Feltwell, Norfolk in eastern England ended on Tuesday when he was located in Baghdad after losing touch with his family, Scrase said.

The human shields hope their presence at the Iraqi sites will deter U.S.-led forces from destroying them and raise awareness of the cost to civilians of war.

The United States and Britain have said they will do everything possible to minimize civilian casualties and suffering in the war to topple President Saddam Hussein.

The number of human shields in and around Baghdad peaked at around 200 in mid March but fell to about 120 once war broke out and activists left Iraq to avoid being bombed.

The recent arrival of some 40 South African human shields has raised numbers to about 150. Around 500 human shields from around the world have visited Iraq since January, Scrase said.

Several volunteers, including former U.S. marine Ken O'Keefe who helped bring dozens of people from Britain, were expelled from Iraq after clashing with authorities over the sites where activists should be deployed.

[wimpycat]

You watch, just watch! If none of the "human shield" sites are targeted, some dumbass human shield will think their presence prevented the bombing.

[rocke031]

Actually overheard inside a B52:
"It's a misguided hippie! Let's not bomb that site."

[billorites]

The people who become human shields, I suspect, are drawn from the same pool of people who would marry some condemned man on death row. Disconnected from the obvious downside risk.

A little unhinged, I'd say.

[Billthedrill]

The number of human shields in and around Baghdad peaked at around 200 in mid March but fell to about 120 once war broke out and activists left Iraq to avoid being bombed.

I'm missing something here...

[blackangus]

Human shield vs Megabomb = No contest! Try parachuting without a parachute. I wonder exactly what they are rebelling against.

[CheneyChick]

I'm "deeply disappointed" in these so-called human shields.

[MEG33]

Their mommys daddies husbands wives failed dreams and some are just seeking recognition.

[legman]

These are the most pathetic idiots I have ever heard of.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

I went to O'Keefe's website. He is still directing operations from the safety of Jordan. They have an online form that you can fill out, saying you want to join. The only problem is the departure dates are all for February. I cannot imagine why they are not taking new recruits for the month of March and April. :)

[Mister Baredog]

I cannot imagine why they are not taking new recruits for the month of March and April. :)

Paris in the Springtime?

[Dog]

We have to have better targeting..

[TADSLOS]

"...while a British peace activist feared lost has been found"> Looks like our marathon swimmer was just doing laps.

[TADSLOS]

"...while a British peace activist feared lost has been found"> Looks like our marathon swimmer was just doing laps.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Yep.

...And I had a few bucks on the shooters.

[MarineDad]

Iraq Human Shields Unhurt So Far, Briton Found

Dammit! They're not trying hard enough!

[Britton J Wingfield]

I hope to see the newly freed Iraqis string these clowns up and use them as pinatas.