American death toll in Iraq hits 4,000; Bush stands firm

It was a milestone that forced the war in Iraq back onto the front pages of newspapers and triggered headlines on the airwaves.

The U.S. death toll in the five-year war in Iraq reached 4,000 on Sunday and re-ignited the national debate about the continued presence of American soldiers in that troubled part of the world.

President Bush, who has remained steadfast in his justification of the war, made it clear this week that he is committed to “an outcome that will merit the sacrifice” of those who have died.

But even with this milestone in the controversial conflict, the president stopped short of explaining what he means by “an outcome.” Likewise, Americans have been given no clear definition for the word “victory,” which the administration has tossed around with regularity over the past five years.

Indeed, opposition to the war by a majority of the American people reflects a lack of confidence in the White House’s strategy, anger at the skyrocketing cost and the belief that the Iraqi government has become too dependent on the United States for the country’s security.

“Our strategy going forward will be aimed at making sure that we achieve victory and therefore America becomes more secure,” Bush said in reaction to the 4,000th American death. He added that it is important that young democracies such as Iraq survive as the 21st century progresses.

But the American people keep asking a question that demands an answer: At what cost?

To hear Vice President Dick Cheney tell, such inquiry is irrelevant because the goal is to rid the world of America’s enemies so there won’t be a repeat of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the homeland.

The administration’s single-mindedness was reflected in Cheney’s comment two weeks ago when he was interviewed by ABC News’ Martha Raddatz, who noted that recent polls show two-thirds of Americans say the fight in Iraq is not worth it.

“So?” the vice president replied.

“You don’t care what the American people think?” Raddatz asked.

“You can’t be blown off course by polls,” Cheney said.

No clear answer

But what is the course? After five years, billions of dollars and 4,000 deaths, the answer still is not clear.

But if the milestone is a shock to the senses — remember the president’s “mission accomplished” boast? — it is important to remember that the people of Iraq have also suffered.

The number of Iraqis who have died is considerably higher, 89,000 by the lowest estimate.

“When you speak to an Iraqi who has stayed here in his country throughout the last five years, everyone knows someone who has died, and most families have lost a family member,” said a journalist in Baghdad.

President Bush insists that the surge of American forces is working and that it now only a matter of time before al-Qaida in Iraq and other insurgents responsible for the death and destruction are eliminated.

But whether that development results in the Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds setting aside their historic differences and working together is anyone’s guess.

President Bush met Wednesday with military leaders to discuss the planned withdrawal of some troops this spring and is scheduled to address the American people today.

It is time he provided answers to the many questions Americans continue to have about the war in Iraq.