BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The U.S. military death toll in Iraq passed 2,000 with the announcement on Tuesday that a soldier had died in a Texas hospital of wounds from a bomb.
The unwelcome milestone was expected to spur new calls for U.S. President George W. Bush to outline an exit strategy for the Iraqi conflict.
Earlier in the day, final results showed that Iraqi voters had ratified a new U.S.-backed constitution, despite bitter opposition in Sunni Arab areas where insurgents are battling to topple the Baghdad government.
The Pentagon said Staff Sergeant George Alexander, 34, had died on Saturday of injuries sustained eight days ago when a roadside bomb set by insurgents blew up near his vehicle in the town of Samarra.
Bush said the war would require more sacrifice and rejected calls for a U.S. pullout from Iraq.
"Each loss of life is heartbreaking, and the best way to honor the sacrifice of our fallen troops is to complete the mission and lay the foundation of peace by spreading freedom," he said in a speech before the latest death was announced.
"This war will require more sacrifice, more time and more resolve."
More sacrifice?
So, what are Barb and Jenna up to nowadays, hmmmm? Why, surely they would be willing to join this noble cause!
No? Didn't think so, you murdering bastard.
Always somebody else's kid. On somebody else's dime. In somebody else's country.