Hell & Haditha

National Review Online ^ | June 2, 2006 | W. Thomas Smith Jr.

[SuzyQ2]

The vehicle, if close enough to the blast, flips into the air, snapping necks and spinal cords. Heads and limbs are torn from bodies. Gasoline ignites and ammunition cooks off, burning any survivors to a crisp. Those soldiers and Marines (many of whom are still teenagers) who witness the action are instantly shocked, physically sickened, grief-stricken, and enraged over the horror of having watched buddies—who have become closer than any sibling might ever hope to be—torn to pieces. Badly wounded buddies are screaming in agony. Yet the ones uninjured or with minor injuries have to respond as trained. They are dismounting from vehicles, simultaneously removing safeties from weapons and racing for cover or assaulting in the direction of the ambush where seen or unseen forces are shooting at them. The counterattack often requires the instant establishment of a base of fire by one group while an enveloping force prepares to overwhelm the enemy. Blood-pressure is peaking. Adrenaline is pumping.

[Hound of the Baskervilles]

We know almost nothing about this incident and it is dumb to make any judgements at all at this time.

[RedStateRocker]

blow up the nearest house after it gets evacuated. That'll put new meaning into the words "neighborhood watch"!

Unless the bad guys make sure the nearest house is occupied by folks in favor of us/democracy (at least that's what I'd do if I were a bad guy). The Israelis have no hope of ever seeing a democratic 'Palestine', we are trying to win hearts and minds.

And if that fails nuke 'em....

[AnimalLover]

PING

[The Red Zone]

There is no way to escape some consequences from this.

[The Red Zone]

So it would be unfair and foolish to pass judgment on these Marines, without first finding what exactly happened at Haditha.

I.e. without larding on the max of "well, it was just stress"? After all we do have to allow for some berserkery (with no consequences, even so much as confinement in a mental hospital, because we NEEEEED those guys).

[Modok]

Interesting article, but the writer seems stuck on a Vietnam outlook about what is happening. The public in this country is not ready for the reality of this war or any war. I support these Marines. War is about making the other bastards die for their cause. (Apologies to Patton)

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[MNJohnnie]

You do realize that the accusations about Hadditha all come from an "Iraqi Civil Rights Group" headed by a man that has the SAME name as a Major in Saddam's secret police? That this "Iraqi Civil Rights Group" filmed a supposed "survivor" a boy who supposedly was shot in the back of by "out of control Marines"? Only problem. In the CNN aired video "Haditha Uncovered" the boy "healed wound" is shown. The supposed bullet hole is high in his back directly over the spine. Only problem with that, if you shot someone at that point, you will shatter their spine. So the boy would be at a minimum, crippled for life. He moved around just fine on the video.

So since this so called "Iraqi Civil Rights Group" is LYING about this, what else are they lying about???

[MNJohnnie]

You do realize that the accusations about Hadditha all come from an "Iraqi Civil Rights Group" headed by a man that has the SAME name as a Major in Saddam's secret police? That this "Iraqi Civil Rights Group" filmed a supposed "survivor" a boy who supposedly was shot in the back of by "out of control Marines"? Only problem. In the CNN aired video "Haditha Uncovered" the boy "healed wound" is shown. The supposed bullet hole is high in his back directly over the spine. Only problem with that, if you shot someone at that point, you will shatter their spine. So the boy would be at a minimum, crippled for life. He moved around just fine on the video.
So since this so called "Iraqi Civil Rights Group" is LYING about this, what else are they lying about???

[MNJohnnie]

We cannot send our young men off to war and treat them like this. It is one of the most shameful disgusting things I've ever witnessed. May God have mercy on us

Amen.

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

The safety is, in my opinion, the worst part of a Kalashnikov's design.

You have to remember what the country of origin for that weapon is and what the leadership's attitude is about their grunt is. Safety is not the primary issue.

[MNJohnnie]

The quote about Safa Younis Salim covering her ears is from her. You can see her statements in the Video "Uncovering Hadiatha" broad casted by CNN. You may still find the video on their website.

When you watch this video they will show you a small boy supposedly shot right between the shoulder blades. They show you the "healed wound." The so called bullet wound is directly over his spine. IF he had been shot there, he would be crippled for life or dead. Yet he moves just fine in the video.

So since the "Iraqi Civil Rights Group" making these unproven accusations against the Marines is demonstrated to be LYING about this, what ELSE are they lying about?

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

Coop, to call Murhta a "former Marine" I believe dishonors the Corps. This dog respectfully requests that Murtha and "former Marine" not be used together. Recommend that modifiers such as A**hat, Sh*t Bird, grabasstic protoplasm be used instead.

[MNJohnnie]

You can watch the Girl's surviors "testimony" at the CNN Website. It a report called "Haditha Uncovered". Video link on the lower right hand side of the screen.

Watch the video. It is pure BS. Especially the "Wounded boy"
There is NO way he could of been wounded the way they claim.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/05/31/haditha/index.html

[MNJohnnie]

Most of the IED's being used in Iraq are Command Detonated. That means they watch and trigger the IED when they are sure of the target. Since they operate in civilian setting, they do not use pressure detonated mines usually because they want to hit their chosen targets.

Landmines are too indiscriminate. Since most of the traffic on a road is going to be Iraqi, traditional Landmines would not work real well for what the Terrorists are trying to accomplish.

[verity]

Good find.

This is a definitive piece by those who have "walked the walk." These professionals are not raving and ranting. We should emulate their restraint.

[Valin]

And if the people in the house hd nothing to do with it?

[Valin]

Murtha contends photographic evidence of the incident proves beyond a doubt that the Marines at Haditha committed war crimes (Vailn says or not), making it critical the military take prompt action. (Valin says they are Murtha you moron!)