In Iraq, December turns deadly for U.S. -- already

Ten Marines are killed in Fallujah.

Published December 2, 2005 4:27PM (EST)

Eighty-four Americans died in Iraq last month, making November the sixth deadliest month since the war began nearly three years ago. November's toll was slightly less deadly than October's. Ninety-six Americans died then. December? It's not starting well. As George W. Bush moves the focus to the economy and the White House celebrates a "season of hope and happiness," CNN is reporting that 10 U.S. Marines were killed in Fallujah Thursday.

The news comes amid reports that more members of the "coalition of the willing" aren't so willing anymore. Bulgaria and Ukraine will begin withdrawing their troops this month, and the Associated Press notes that Australia, Britain, Italy, Japan, Poland and South Korea are all talking about pulling out their personnel, too.


By Tim Grieve

Tim Grieve is a senior writer and the author of Salon's War Room blog.

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