Tonight
Tonight's posts . . .
1. The Assumptions That Will Shape US Action Against Iran
2. Whither the Insurgency? The Ramadan Offensive?
3. China and Taiwan
Plus commentary on news items of note . . .
posted by Chester at 11/16/2004 11:45:00 AM
1 Comments:
Chester -
Would like to hear your thoughts on the Marine being held now for 'unlawful' action in Fallujah. My personal feeling, as a civilian with no military background, is that he should be completely cleared. I will not even attempt to put myself in his shoes, but knowing what I have learned of this enemy, I can completely justify his actions, and will not condemn him. While not being familiar with the "rules of war", I feel there is no case against this man.
If this were Tarawa, Okinawa or Malmedy in WW2, the US 'embed' unquestionably would have destroyed the tape. (I know this probably opens a can of worms as far as the role of 'embeds' during military action, and the role of the US media during wartime.)
While the butchering of hostages (see Margaret Hassan and Teresa Borcz) are buried in the backpages, this Marine will be on the front pages and the lead of news stories for weeks to come.
I think I can assume his fellow Marines will back him, but that is pure conjecture on my part. Will the USMC i.e., the Corps) back him? Or will the administration make him a sacrificial lamb to the left and the 'Arab street' (a la Abu Gharib)?
At risk of fanning the flames, I felt I had to communicate my feelings on the matter, and feel I had to do to what little I can to support him.
Regards.
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