Nine children among 16 dead after US serviceman attacks villagers
Afghans vow vengeance for soldier's killing spree
Quote:
Distraught and furious Afghans vowed vengeance yesterday after a
US soldier apparently walked from a Nato base into the homes of
civilians, turning his weapon on the families inside and killing 16
people, nine of them children.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/wo...e-7561637.html
One person can FUBAR an entire effort. This is a windfall for the Taliban. The Taliban can do this sort of thing. Our side cannot afford it. I'm waiting for the details on the soldier himself.
"Rapid but Thorough Investigation"
Those two concepts seem to clash. In any event, the "Taliban" agit-prop went into gear right away - the area is scarcely pro-Karzai and leans "Taliban" based on what is being reported. And, Karzai's big mouth, as usual, adds fuel to the fire.
From a legal standpoint - viewing it as a UCMJ problem, there's nothing for me to say until we get an AR 15-6, or some functional equivalent - and even better, a forensic psychiatric on the alleged shooter.
I'll post at Rule of Law in Iraq & Afghanistan, at whatever page that's on, when some solid investigative information is released. In that thread, Bear and I have been talking about Son Thang (19 Feb 1970; also 16 homicides). What a mess !
Regards
Mike
Doomsday or another "straw" ?
I have read a few reactions in the media to this incident and will add two below. Leaving aside the media focus and hype is this event really significant? I would say it is too early to say.
Where is the impact? In Afghanistan, the actual neighbourhood and beyond.
Given the criticism of US funded information operations here:http://circlingthelionsden.blogspot....perations.html I'd not be optimistic on our local and in country response.
The "Circling" author ends with:
Quote:
It is remarkable that despite the massive spending on IO in Afghanistan in recent years, it is the Taliban that continues to make the running. It operates a highly successful propaganda operation using a multi-language website, twitter and a number of spokesmen who can easily be contacted and who issue timely statements well in advance of any that come from military sources. And all for a few thousand dollars.
Now to the two comments, first the BBC's North America Chief Correspondent:
Quote:
This killing spree won't, by itself, lead to a quickening of the pace of a pull-out. But it may mean less heed will be paid to those like Senator McCain who think the war is winnable and who think the troops should finish the job before they leave.
Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-17335895
The Daily Telegraph's Pakistan correspondent concludes:
Quote:
This is not the make or break moment in Afghanistan. The danger is that it will be turned into one by American politicians wondering whether it is time to speed up the withdrawal.
Link:http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/ro...sday-scenario/
And then there was Eddie Slovik
Those looking for the gallows have just cause. We have done it.
"Private Slovik is buried in Plot "E" of Oise-Aisne American Cemetery and Memorial in Fre-en-Tardenois, alongside 95 American soldiers executed for rape and/or murder."(emphasis added).