There have been over 4,000 American deaths in Iraq (and over 30,000 casualties).  However, there have been very few photographs of wounded and dying soldiers released.  This is due primarily to strict embedded journalists (many of whom are photographers) rules and regulations.  Rules state that photos published without the consent of the pictured soldier are prohibited — sort of a problem was for incapacitated or dead soldiers.  Furthermore, many embedded journalists rules prohibit photos of soldiers’ faces and any photos with division patches shown, thus making it even harder to publish licit photos.

Despite the rules and regulations, several renegade photographers and journalists have published photos that break the rules.  Their incompliance with set rules results in their suspension from the unit they are embedded with and sometimes from all U.S. military personnel and institutions.

The New York Times has a brief slide show of the photos taken by these defiant photographers and journalists.  You can view it HERE.

I think its good to see things like this, because it brings to life the reality of conflict and war.  There is a large degree of separation between the conflict in Iraq and the life of the American citizen at home.  Photos like these serve to bridge that gap.