[caisson71]

Heck, why don't we just dress in red coats, white pants, wear colorful pointed hats and march in a straight line. If we do that, we would receive less criticism. Similarly, the "enemy" can hijack passenger planes, fly them into buildings, launch and fire offensive weapons in schools and hospitals and receive NO criticism. NUTS!! I don't buy this "higher standard" stuff. For sure, no dang reporter will tell me how I need to accomplish my mission and protect my men - been there, done that. I do not condone brutality or advocate violating the articles of the Geneva Convention. However, the lines are sometimes blurred in the heat of battle. My reference point would be the past history of the accused. In this case, it appears that LTC West has an excellent record and should be given the benefit of the doubt.

[Ispy4u]

But his decision was not made in the heat of battle. If he had reacted to an enemy attack with overwhelming force and a few civilians or policemen were killed, I'd have no problem with that, it happens. But when you take a prisoner you have entered into a different arena of warfare.

Fight to change the rules, until then LTC West was wrong.