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Iraq Human Shields Unhurt So Far, Briton Found
Reuters ^ | 3-25-03

Posted on 03/25/2003 1:48:22 PM PST by 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.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; Government; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons; Politics/Elections; United Kingdom; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: debris; human

1 posted on 03/25/2003 1:48:22 PM PST by Oldeconomybuyer
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
You watch, just watch! If none of the "human shield" sites are targeted, some dumbass human shield will think their presence prevented the bombing.
2 posted on 03/25/2003 1:49:47 PM PST by wimpycat ('Nemo me impune lacessit')
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
Actually overheard inside a B52:
"It's a misguided hippie! Let's not bomb that site."

3 posted on 03/25/2003 1:52:11 PM PST by rocke031
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
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.

4 posted on 03/25/2003 1:52:24 PM PST by billorites
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
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...

5 posted on 03/25/2003 1:52:40 PM PST by Billthedrill
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
Human shield vs Megabomb = No contest! Try parachuting without a parachute. I wonder exactly what they are rebelling against.
6 posted on 03/25/2003 1:53:48 PM PST by blackangus
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To: Billthedrill
I'm "deeply disappointed" in these so-called human shields.
7 posted on 03/25/2003 1:55:47 PM PST by CheneyChick (Lock & Load)
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To: blackangus
Their mommys daddies husbands wives failed dreams and some are just seeking recognition.
8 posted on 03/25/2003 1:58:07 PM PST by MEG33
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
These are the most pathetic idiots I have ever heard of.
9 posted on 03/25/2003 2:01:40 PM PST by legman ("If God is for us, who can be against us?")
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
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. :)
10 posted on 03/25/2003 2:06:49 PM PST by Pan_Yans Wife (Lurking since 2000.)
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To: Pan_Yans Wife
I cannot imagine why they are not taking new recruits for the month of March and April. :)

Paris in the Springtime?

11 posted on 03/25/2003 2:29:40 PM PST by Mister Baredog ((They wanted to kill 50,000 of us on 9/11, we will never forget!))
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
We have to have better targeting..
12 posted on 03/25/2003 2:29:59 PM PST by Dog
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
"...while a British peace activist feared lost has been found"> Looks like our marathon swimmer was just doing laps.
13 posted on 03/25/2003 2:32:53 PM PST by TADSLOS (Sua Sponte)
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
"...while a British peace activist feared lost has been found"> Looks like our marathon swimmer was just doing laps.
14 posted on 03/25/2003 2:33:36 PM PST by TADSLOS (Sua Sponte)
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To: TADSLOS
Yep.

...And I had a few bucks on the shooters.
15 posted on 03/25/2003 2:35:57 PM PST by Oldeconomybuyer (Let's Roll)
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
Iraq Human Shields Unhurt So Far, Briton Found

Dammit! They're not trying hard enough!

16 posted on 03/25/2003 2:37:12 PM PST by MarineDad
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
I hope to see the newly freed Iraqis string these clowns up and use them as pinatas.
17 posted on 03/25/2003 3:25:50 PM PST by Britton J Wingfield
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