Letter to the Marines
Kevin Sites, the reporter who filmed the shooting of the injured Iraqi in Fallujah, has written an open letter to the Marines where he explains what he saw and why he released the film. Very interesting reading. I think that he behaved responsibly, although it is unfortunate that the incident has been turned into pro-Insurgent propaganda. As for the actions of the Marine, it is difficult to tell if they were justified or not. I am sure the truth will come out in the inquirey and, unlike our enemies, if the rules of engagement were violated he will be punished. Mistakes will be made in wartime, that is part of the price. It is unfortunate though that in the world of fast-paced media, judgements are made before the facts are known.
posted by Dave Justus | 11/22/2004 01:00:00 PM
2 Comments:
CentComm lists an example of what that Marine was afraid of: http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/News_Release.asp?NewsRelease=20041177.txt
The way the 'insurgents' have been acting, it's hard to fault him.
It is obvious why a Marine would be afraid of wounder Iraqis in general. Why he was worried about this one in particular is harder to determine.
Even with the worst interpretation of the facts, that the stress just caused him to snap for a second, I still have a lot of respect for this brave young man who has been through a lot for his country. Although in that case I deeply regret that the incident happened.
Certainly I am willing to let the facts come out.
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