Misfortunes of War

Concern in United States military and policymaking circles about civilian casualties and collateral damage in military operations appears to have increased since the end of the Cold War. In part, this concern appears to be based on the belief that press and public reaction to civilian casualties reduces public support and constrains military operations. to determine whether these incidents affect media reporting or public support for military operations, and if so, how. After reviewing the major literature on American public opinion and war, the authors examine case studies of U.S. and foreign press, public, and leadership responses to civilian deaths during four recent conflicts: Operation Desert Storm (Iraq, 1991), Operation Allied Force (Kosovo, 1999), Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan, 2001), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq, 2003). has realistic expectations about avoiding casualties. Second, the press reports heavily on civilian casualty incidents. Third, adversaries understand and seek to exploit the public's sensitivities to civilian deaths. Fourth, other factors have been more important determinants of American's support and opposition during armed conflict than civilian casualties, while for foreign publics it may be among the most important factors. Fifth, while sizeable majorities of the American public gives U.S. military and political leaders the benefit of the doubt when civilian casualty incidents occur, this does not necessarily extend to foreign audiences. Sixth, when civilian casualty incidents occur, it may be more important to get the story right than to get the story out. abroad have increased in recent years and may continue to do so, perhaps becoming an even more salient concern in the conduct of future military operations.