Saturday, December 23, 2006



Justice for Haditha?

The US military has charged eight marines over the 2005 Haditha massacre, in which US soldiers engaged in "extensive, unprovoked killings of civilians", killing 24 Iraqis. Four have been charged over the murders themselves, while the other four have been charged with dereliction of duty and covering up the crime. I'm pleased, but at the same time doubtful. Previous trials over the abuse, torture and murder of Iraqis by US forces have failed to produce justice. Rather, they have effectively endorsed such behaviour and sent a clear message that it is acceptable. So, I think I'll wait to see what emerges at the end of the process before deciding whether there has been justice for the dead of Haditha.

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