[ISonnet]

"He is the senior man at the Department of Defense, and these soldiers wore the uniform of the US military.

He's still accountable for their actions."

Okay, I'm with you, but isn't the investigation and prosecution of the offenders taking accountability?

As Sec Def, he's atop the entire military spread across the globe. No leader can guarantee the behavior of every man and woman of such a force 24/7. He can respond appropriately when individuals or small groups get out of line (or in this case way out of line.) This is an ugly incident in a large war.

I hold him accountable for what he does after he knows about it. If he ordered the actions it's another story but until I hear different, I don't think the captain should go dowen with the ship in this case because "the ship" is not sinking.

Again, my difficulty with the apology is that it now has nothing to do with contrition or regret, but everything to do with politics. In that vein I say it is not called for.

[Poohbah]

Again, my difficulty with the apology is that it now has nothing to do with contrition or regret

And how do you know what's in a man's heart? Are you the frickin' Shadow or something?