The current (Nov. 06) issue of Vanity Fair carries an article by William Langewiesche about the Haditha Marines entitled Rules of Engagement . (Unfortunately, it can't be posted here so I'm not creating a new thread.) Even though the article is so slanted against the war you have to read it sideways, it contains interesting conclusions.
The author says Murtha was wrong that the Marines at Haditha were angry or went beserk due to pressure. Their deployment in Anbar was otherwise uneventful.
Second, he presents a version of events supportive of Sgt. Frank Wuterich's main statement that Rules of Engagement were followed.
Third, he presents evidence that there was a firefight in Haditha as the Marines said (Murtha said there was none.)
Finally, he makes clear that any conviction is nearly impossible without a confession. And since the Haditha Marines have not been coerced as is the case with the Pendleton 8, that is highly unlikely.
As a bonus, there is a gallery of Kilo Company portraits and a video of Kilo Company on patrol.
Freepers smarter than me might figure out the story behind this Vanity Fair piece. The author doesn't explain how he came by his information--including a lengthy quotation of a naval interrogation of an Iraqi. More anymous DOD sources. Wonder what's going on behnd the scenes.
That's "anonymous".
Thanks for the post and the ping. The pics were haunting, but the video was pretty good! Can't stomach reading the article at this time...maybe later.
Just read some of the article, barf bag close by. I found the portraits of the Marines particularly touching. The courage in their faces stood out, as well as just plain grit and determination. I couldn't look at all of them, I started tearing up. Dear God, I am so thankful for these brave men! For a scumbag politician to use them for the sake of being re-elected, to bash our military, to hang these good and decent soldiers out to dry, just makes me angry beyond belief. I will NEVER, EVER believe the evil lies Murtha has spread and pray that one day he receives just punishment for what he has done to these good men and their families.
Pinging you to post 80.