The Defense Department has spent nearly $31 million in payments to Iraqis or Afghans who suffered as a result of U.S. combat operations.At $2,500 per victim, $31 million would cover 12,400 deaths. And I remember an incident a couple of weeks ago where we paid a family $1,800 for killing a family member so the actual number is higher than that.
The payments, up to $2,500 per incident, are given as a token of sympathy or remorse toward a victim or victim's family for death, injury or property damage. U.S. officials say individual payouts are based on local customs, and are not considered an admission of legal liability or fault.
We're not winning many hearts and minds over there.
