Iraq Casualty Data

Antiwar.com is currently updating its pages giving data on casualties from the Iraq war. The presentation of data, particularly in respect of Iraqi casualties, was unsatisfactory in a number of respects. The site's staff have been conducting a review and are now in the process of making changes.

The pages in question are this one and this one.

I got into conversation with the site's editor, Eric Gariss, and we started talking about the changes he was making. Gariss has asked me, and others, for input on this redesign. He says:

"I want to further improve these pages, so PLEASE tell people to send me any specific suggestions (as opposed to insults and complaints) and I will try to address them."

Gariss' email address is on the site so by all means get in touch if you can suggest anything on the redesign of these pages.

My suggestion was that the info about Iraqi casualties, as opposed to US troop casualties, could be better displayed; something I know others have mentioned as well. I said:

"I would certainly question the prominence of these figures. They appear at the very bottom of the page. US casualties appear at the top, and much more strongly displayed.

This seems quite wrong to me. I realise that the public is seen as focusing more on US casualties, so I understand why you choose to run with those first. But surely this becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy? If even those of us who are against the war choose this focus then doesn't that reinforce its validity? I'm sure many wars could be stopped if people in the aggressor nations were reminded of the humanity- the equal humanity - of the victims as often as possible."

If you can think of anything else, email Antiwar.com and let them know.