NGOs predict that a war with Iraq would kill up to half a million people. These predictions have generally been grossly inaccurate, a macabre form of fear mongering in an attempt to make a political point. Getting media attention also has something to do with it. But since most of the violence committed on the Afghan people is delivered by the current government, an invasion would more likely sharply reduce the loss of life among Iraqi civilians. This is what happened in Afghanistan, and what happens any time a tyranny is overthrown. But even tyrants have friends and protectors.