I don't quite follow your first paragraph. The Americans commence a massacre in Iraq (an illegar 'war' based on no threat whatsoever) and, in the course of military engagements, soldiers are captured. Am I happy that these "poor souls" are in Iraqi custody??? Well...if the US is able to win a quick war, this will establish their strategy as successful and they will pursue it in other countries: Iran, Syria, etc. If they get bogged down and meet strong resistance, the chances that this war will be extended to other countries is lessened. So, for this reason, I am happy that it is not turning into a quick war, and I think the Iraqi's ability to capture US soldiers and demonstrate to the Arab world that the enemy is not invincible is a good thing.
The fact that the U.S. is invoking the Geneva convention makes me nauseous.
I do not distinguish between the loss of American lives and the loss of Iraqi lives. I note in parting that the U.S. is the aggressor and that the Iraqis are defending their country from an aggressor. Am I missing something here?
Joanna