First, the qualifier anonymous is not appropriate. The adjective refers to those sources whose names are kept secret deliberately. The prelim. was ordered by Lieutenant General Peter Chiarelli. That was his investigation and he's the one that would have authorized the payments. I have no idea who they actually talked to, it doesn't matter.
"And she says the fault for the civilian deaths lies squarely with the insurgents, who "placed noncombatants in the line of fire as the Marines responded to defend themselves.""
She must have had the results of the investigation long before it was completed to make this statement. The prelim. found the families weren't armed. I'm anxious to here how they threatened the Sgt.
"Here's what all participants agree on: at around 7:15 a.m. on Nov. 19, a U.S. humvee was struck by a powerful improvised explosive device (ied) attached to a large propane canister, triggered by remote control. The bomb killed Terrazas, who was driving, and injured two other Marines."
Someone posted a pic claiming to be the crater left by the blast on FR. It was in the street. The curb remained intact. I really have a hard time grasping how anyone would not see a propane canister in the street and not think it was a bomb and treat it accordingly. Maybe it was buried, after some construction work on the road. Nevertheless, it would be newly patched. Just a side track...
"We also know that the Marines are NOT investigating the officers in charge,
3 were relieved for lack of confidence. That's not a simple transfer to maintain integrity of the investigation. They were relieved, because of job performance reasons. The timing suggests the relief is related to this incident.
" All in all, I'm happy to presume innocence at this point."
The presumption of innocence always applies legally. It's irrelevant as far as collecting the facts about what happened. That's all I'm interested in. This incident involves a considerable number of innocent folks killed with no reason given for the killing. I do expect this matter to be cleared up. It should have been cleared up shortly after it happened. It wasn't.
Has Gen. Chiarelli's report been made public? I can't find it.
But an authorized Spokeswoman, presumably familiar with his report, says the fault for the civilian deaths lies squarely with the insurgents, who "placed noncombatants in the line of fire as the Marines responded to defend themselves." That to me carries more weight than 95% of the other statements I've heard made about this incident. Could she be wrong, sure. Could the MSM be wrong?
One of the relieved officers has said he was not relieved due to the Haditha incident. Maybe the other two were. I do not know. But if you have a link, please let me know.
Sure, I understand the presumption of innocence is a legality. But you cannot be blind to the MSM's above the fold drumbeat that continually rehashes the "likely to be charged with murder" meme over and over again, all over the world. It is irresponsible in the extreme and gives aid and comfort and inspiration to our enemies.
Do you remember the Wedding Party "massacre" BS. Same sh*t, different day.