The number is shocking and sobering

The number is shocking and sobering

It is at least 10 times greater than most estimates cited in the US media, yet it is based on a scientific study of violent Iraqi deaths caused by the U.S.-led invasion of March 2003.


That study, published in prestigious medical journal The Lancet, estimated that over 600,000 Iraqis had been killed as a result of the invasion as of July 2006. Iraqis have continued to be killed since then. The graphic above provides a rough daily update of this number based on a rate of increase derived from the Iraq Body Count. (See the complete explanation.)


The estimate that over a million Iraqis have died received independent confirmation from a prestigious British polling agency in September 2007. Opinion Research Business estimated that 1.2 million Iraqis have been killed violently since the US invasion.


This devastating human toll demands greater recognition. It eclipses the Rwandan genocide and our leaders are directly responsible. Little wonder they do not publicly cite it. Here is simple HTML code to post the counter to your website and help spread the word.


Actions you can take right now


Sign the petition telling Congress that about a million Iraqis have likely been killed and urging them to end this war now. A large number of signatures on this and other petitions is a compelling way to keep pressure on Congress as there are more votes on the war. Add your name»


Write a letter to the Editor: Letters are one of the most frequently-read sections of a newspaper. Our tool makes it easy to craft one. Write a letter»


Tell your friends about this estimate of Iraqi deaths. Spread the word now»


Support this Campaign


With a tax-deductible contribution, you can help us continue this important work. Click to contribute.


Post the Iraqi Death Estimator on your website


Fight attempts to minimize Iraqi suffering and remind visitors to your site of the awful human costs of continued war. (If you post the counter to your website, email us and we will add your link to the list.)


Here is some simple code that you can cut and paste into the HTML of your website. The counter will automatically update over time.