IF the events in Haditha are as alleged, then the perpetrators have dishonored their uniform, and have harmed the war effort and brought disrepute upon our fine men and women in uniform. IF the facts are as alleged, no one needs to be standing behind them. They need to be dealt with harshly and swiftly, to send as strong a message as possible that we are better than that.
If they don't take this course, the civilian leadership will get their share of blame.
"IF the events in Haditha are as alleged,"
Big IF there, IMO its a war zone and they had been attacked. The rules are they search the surrounding houses and thats what they did. They were in an area known for terrorist activity and hostility towards us.
I don't condone murder but I don't think its appropiate to stand back months later and judge a split second decision made by our guys under fire. For what its worth I also don't think Abu Ghraib was a crime and our folks in jail from that are friendly fire (political) causalties.
Our enemy is known to hide behind women and children. They will kill 20 children to get to one American handing out candy. They believe its ok to rape any woman whos not muslim and wearing the burqa. These are barbarians seeking to destory our culture, our lives, and our country. I say take the gloves off and destroy them.