whut we got hea is a failya ta kumyoonikate

an unknown number of iraqis have died at checkpoints. US marines act under standing orders to open fire when drivers fail to halt their vehicles at a "trigger line"—and they shoot to kill, of course.

the marine corps says it keeps no record of civilian deaths—which seems strange in itself—but, whatever the number, the rate's likely to drop from now on: turns out the arabic sign—which the USMC thought said STOP—actually said PROCEED WITH CAUTION.