[xzins]

"The sentences were well below what is expected for the guilty findings for a group that decide to kidnap and execute a guy," said Coakley, who has extensive experience in the military's rules of engagement.

The soldiers believed the man was an insurgent/terrorist after having been on the ground in that area for plenty of time trying to get his neighbor (relative) imprisoned.

They finally executed a counter-insurgency operation of their own.

Apparently, Gen. Mathis must believe the soldiers. Otherwise, no way you get time served only.

[Girlene]

They finally executed a counter-insurgency operation of their own.

In fact they were pulled out of their normal patrol group and sent to Hamdania to be part of a group to deal with the "counter-insurgency".

More from the article..."While waiting for a haircut in Oceanside Monday, Sgt. Paul Daly said he was satisfied with the outcomes in the Hamdania case.

"It would have been an issue if they had gotten hard time," the Iraq war vet said.

The cases also carry a lesson to the men patrolling Iraqi streets.

"It probably makes them think more about what they are doing," Daly said."

[freema]

I do believe they did not ‘execute’ this operation on their own.

They were taught, drilled, and ordered to eliminate the enemy.

Everyone knows this was the enemy. That’s why we have no evidence, no body. To hobble the Corps.