Posted on 05/29/2006 11:22:01 AM PDT by SandRat
WASHINGTON, May 29, 2006 – No good can come of speculation surrounding a Nov. 19 incident in Haditha, Iraq, in which 24 Iraqi civilians, including women and children, were killed in the aftermath of a roadside bomb attack, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today. Marine Gen. Peter Pace also stressed that investigations into alleged misconduct by U.S. Marines in the incident are not yet complete.
Appearing on CNN's "American Morning" for what was to have been an interview focusing on the nation's Memorial Day observance today, Pace told Miles O'Brien that two investigations are still in progress: one to find out what happened, and another to find out why senior officials were not aware of the misconduct allegations until February.
"We will find out what happened, and we'll make it public," Pace said. "But to speculate right now wouldn't do anybody any good."
Army Lt. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, initiated a preliminary investigation Feb. 14 when reporters told U.S. officials about allegations of possible violations of the rules of engagement by Marines. In a March 17 news conference, the general said he had ordered further investigation based on the results of the initial probe.
"I understand it's going to be a couple of more weeks before those investigations are complete, and we should not prejudge the outcome," Pace said today. "But we should, in fact, as leaders, take on the responsibility to get out and talk to our troops and make sure that they understand that what 99.9 percent of them are doing, which is fighting with honor and courage, is exactly what we expect of them."
Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Michael W. Hagee is in Iraq doing just that, the chairman said, "because regardless of where this investigation goes, we want to ensure that our troops understand what's expected of them in combat."
Asked if he suspects that a cover-up at lower levels of command caused the delay between the incident and senior officials becoming aware of possible misconduct, Pace said he doesn't suspect anything, but rather is waiting for the investigation to yield the facts.
"If the allegations, as they're being portrayed in the newspaper, turn out to be valid, then of course there will be charges," he said. "But we don't know yet what the outcome will be. It'll take its course. It will be made public, and we'll all be able to make our own judgments."
I just finished reading a piece by Victor Davis Hansen about what America has accomplished since 9/11...which was refreshing after seeing McCain's mug on TV...
He went on and on about how Rummy had screwed up by not sending in enough troops to Iraq..and how many mistakes he has made, and is continuing to make...blah, blah, blah.
It should be noted that Mr. Murtha publicly accused Gen. Pace of lying. Brave accusation knowing the general cannot publicly criticize a member of Congress. But I imagine he was thinking about Jackie when making these comments.
Saddly it happens to the Cops on the beat as well.
Those who've never heard the buzz of the lead bee, go past their ears or felt it's sting are always the first to cry foul because they know not of that which they speak.
In the day's of hand-wringing sob-sisters (past, present and I'm sad to say in the days yet to come), many elected Representatives of the Republic (notice I didn't say leaders) and Officers of the Republic (pampered, perfumed political, princes instead of Laurel Wreathed Commanders of the Legions) give way to the cries of the host from the Circus-Maximus instead of following Honor.
President Bush has more guts than you and me combined.
Thank God each generation has its heroes willing to step into uniform!
Somehow, I don't think the more than usual killing in Iraq, on OUR Memorial Day, is a coincidence.
Oh, and thanks for letting us know your son is home...I am so very glad to hear that...please thank him for me.
When an E3 infantryman returns fire or is forced to make a split second life or death decision and there is collateral damage we bring in the media, the military lawyers and the antiwar crowd crying for their scalps. This is because our leaders (Bush included) do not have the guts or judgment that we expect from 19 year old soldiers.
+
If Marines were set up by insurgents, they could be holding the survivors/neighbors 'hostage' Threatening them with some of their jolly little treats.
Of course, the Marines could be guilty...
of trying to save their own lives.
LOL--fine my friend. God Bless our troops--and you.
Needless to say, I don't know what happened in Haditha.
But I'm inclined to give the Marines the benefit of the doubt until something solid appears.
I remember last year when the media tried to nail a Lt. Pantano on similar charges, before he was ultimately exonerated. I would think that the same result is likely here.
My guess as to what happened? They failed in their efforts against Pantano, they're coming back with something else against different men.
Not sure what to make of it yet as haven't found the DOD reply yet.
1) We have already been there longer than WWII.
2) There is no real De-Baathification program. Saddam and his henchmen are still alive.
3) We tolerate, and even promote the religious fanatics and militias that are killing our GIs. Muktada al Sadr is still alive and causing problems
5) I can count of at least 5 public incidents were front line soldiers have had legal actions initiated for combat related incidents.
Peter Pace is awesome.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.