Evidence Points to Murder

From MSNBC:

Evidence collected on the deaths of 24 Iraqis in Haditha supports accusations that U.S. Marines deliberately shot the civilians, including unarmed women and children, a Pentagon official said Wednesday.

The Marines initially reported after the Nov. 19, 2005 killings that 15 Iraqi civilians at Haditha had been killed by a makeshift roadside bomb and in crossfire between Marines and insurgent attackers. Based on accounts from survivors and human rights groups, Time magazine first reported in March that the killings were deliberate acts by the Marines.

This is the sort of occurrence that I have feared- one that will feed the fires of hatred against the US and add credibility to the arguments of terror groups in the eyes of those somewhat inclined to listen. We have provided a recruiting tool to those who would be our enemies.

Perhaps these sorts of occurrences are virtually inevitable in war. I don't know. But, if they are, then that is all the more reason to not become embroiled in war unless it is absolutely necessary for the security of our nation. The Iraq War was not that.

If justice is done in the military courts in this case (and the Hamdania case, and the Mahmoudiya case), that will help, but the main damage has already been done.

More seeds of terrorism have been sown.

GP