Thursday, July 20, 2006

Iraq - The battlefield extends to the courtroom

Whenever allegations of soldier misconduct are alleged, they need to be thoroughly investigated, tried if need be and if convicted, punished.

When such allegations are made, the media go on a feeding frenzy trying the case in the media. The Communist led anti-war movement hold rallies and give speeches denouncing the "war crimes" and Islamists are given more ammunition.

But, again and again our troops are found innocent of any wrongdoing. But it's too late, the damage is done. The media have already used the story to attack our troops. The Communists and Islamists will ignore the facts and will continue to use the incidents to attack our troops. Some of the innocent soldiers will leave the service out of fear of future prosecutions. Worse, soldiers on the battlefield may hesitate during combat putting themselves and others in harms way.

When the allegations are made and the trial is underway, the media spend a lot of time dwelling on the subject and put out many stories. When our soldiers are found innocent, usually one story is put out, the issue is dropped and our soldiers are forgotten.

Here are some reminders.

Marine Cleared in Shooting Death of Iraq Ambassador's Relative

However, Maj. Douglas Powell, a U.S. military spokesman, said the Naval Criminal Investigative Service determined that the Marine "acted properly in self defense in response to unexpectedly encountering a man pointing an AK-47 at him."


British Troops cleared over Iraq drowning

One of the four Iraqis, Aiad Salim Hanon, said he had been beaten repeatedly by the soldiers before being driven to the canal.

His evidence was questioned by the defence lawyers when inconsistencies arose.


In fact, the only evidence given was by one of the looters himself and after he was offered money to testify.

British Soldier Cleared of Murdering Iraqi

A British soldier was cleared today of murdering an Iraqi civilian after the prosecution offered no evidence against him.


British soldiers acquitted of killing Iraqi teenager

According to the Sky news, a court martial judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to convict the soldiers.


US Soldiers Cleared of Murdering Iraqi Civilians

According to yesterday's reports, the troops were found to have followed normal operating procedures in using force in approaching the house.


Attacked on the battlefield, attacked in the media, attacked by the left, attacked by Islamists and attacked in the courtroom, is it any wonder our troops feel like punching bags?

Have some of our troops committed misdeeds? Yes, and they've been tried, convicted and punished - as they should be. There are other ongoing investigations and we will have to await those outcomes. But it's clear that those that oppose the war, have found a new way to attack our troops. They make an allegation knowing that it will be investigated, the media will trumpet the story and the anti-war movement will capitalize on it. Welcome to the 21st century battlefield.
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