Dealing with Haditha

[Steve Blair]

Sadly, I think a great deal of this plays into the mainstream media's almost total ignorance of both the military and the realities of war, especially "unconventional" war like that we face in Iraq. The same pundits who have rushed to judgement regarding these Marines (who, it goes without saying, should be punished if found guilty) remain oddly silent when insurgents set off bombs in market squares and mosques.

One of the oddities of the United States, at least when compared to other nations, is our almost obsession with beating ourselves up in our own media. There seems to be a fixation with tarring ourselves with the worst possible motives while somehow finding good in our most twisted opponents. This of course makes us very susceptible to propaganda campaigns and misinformation (No Gun Ri and Tailwind ring any bells?).

If this incident happened in the way that it is currently being reported, then the individuals who are guilty should be punished, as should any superiors who might have covered up the incident. But to echo another comment, if this incident proves to be another No Gun Ri-style event, then those who have been beating the drums and getting the ropes ready should be punished for their rush to judgement. Even Saddam is getting his day in court. Why should we allow our Marines anything less?

(steps down from the soapbox and returns to lurking)

[SSG Rock]

The MSM seems almost giddy at the prospect of this alleged incident being substantiated. Hell, they've already substantiated it.

US troops commit "atrocities" "war crimes" and "massacres"
while the terrorists commit "executions" and "killings"

Its disgraceful.