Justifying War Crimes

I've been reading and listening all sorts of crap lately from people who are trying to explain and justify the rampant level of war crimes being perpetrated in Iraq by American troops. Folks there are no justifications for war crimes. None. Situations in war are always horrendous which is why the rules were promulgated. These are the reasons treaties were signed and agreements made not to engage in them and to make those responsible accountable under law.

Iraq is a war zone. It is the responsibility of our troops and, especially their officers, to insure that all rules, regulations and laws regarding non-combatants are followed. Any failure must be properly investigated and, where evidence exists, prosecuted. Stop this insane explaining that they're in a tough situation. All wars are tough. Yes, Iraq may be the worst. Who, however, is responsible for creating this situation? Well, we are. This is a situation the U.S. and it's incompetent leaders created and into which they sent these soldiers. Obviously with inadequate training and resources. The Iraqi people being massacred by American troops didn't start this war.

This has been a massive failure of leadership and policy.

There were reports early on that American troops were knocking doors in, entering homes and shooting Iraqis in their beds. I distinctly recall reading such reports. Whether there was any truth to them was questionable at the time. The resulting widespread support for the insurgency was a sign perhaps that they were. I do know that right from the beginning we lost the war to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people. That is what keeps fueling the insurgency and is one reason why we've lost this war.

I also have to wonder how many atrocities haven't been reported. More keep cropping up. The lack of press and media coverage in the country because of the dreadful security situation casts a blanket over what has been happening. So many journalists have been killed during this war only the bravest or most foolish venture out. Of course that alone may say enough about the outcome of this foolish escapade.

War crimes are war crimes. They cannot be excused. Ever. I heard one fool on CNN this morning try and justify it by saying our own America is so violent, with people killed on the streets every day, that these atrocities are no big deal. That shocked me so much I turned off the television. How on earth do you tell an Iraqi woman that it's ok a couple GI's murdered her children because the violence back home is so bad they couldn't help themselves?

Perhaps, perhaps, these morons should consider healing the culture of violence in America before using it to justify its exportation to Baghdad.