4000.

At current fatality rates -- 17 last month -- the U.S. will likely lose its 4000th soldier sometime in April. A few questions:

-- To what extent does this become a political issue? Specifically, how does John McCain deal with the gruesome milestone? I'm guessing that, while Clinton and Obama will note the passing, neither will attempt to make political hay of it. McCain, however, will probably have to rationalize his continued, quite vigorous, support for the war.

-- Kathryn Jean Lopez felt that 2,000 deaths was not a milestone. Will the editrix of NRO change her tune?

-- How long will it take Putz to minimize the death count by comparing it to Vietnam and/or WW2? (I'm in for five minutes.)

In any case, it's not pleasant to think about, but I assume this will be in issue.