I understand perfectly why, from an "Information Operations"/PSYOPS standpoint, we have been reluctant to release any Iraqi casualty figures. The theme we've been trying to get across is that this is not a war against the Iraqi people, and that theme is compromised if we give casualty reports, even on the bad guys (who will inevitably be lumped in with the innocents by our press pals). Sometimes I'm sure it is tempting to crow about the bad guy body count, especially when so much attention is focused on the number of American dead, but why give our enemies grist for their propaganda mill?
"Sometimes I'm sure it is tempting to crow about the bad guy body count, especially when so much attention is focused on the number of American dead, but why give our enemies grist for their propaganda mill?"
Amen. I served during Vietnam (PIRAZ) and the body count was published daily. It was like keeping score and was a detriment. On Board the Wainwright (CG 28), we watched Clint Eastwood flicks (The Good, Bad.. series) and kept body counts.
I am glad we dropped that and learned from it.