In Counterpunch magazine a veteran of the Vietnam War is predicting that atrocities on the level of the My Lai Massacre will soon be revealed in Iraq. Of course he is right.
This is an easy prediction to make. Every war has atrocities committed by both sides. Yes Virginia, atrocities are perpetrated even by Americans. To be ripped out of the day to day reality of life, armed to the teeth, and forced into a life and death struggle is overwhelming. Some men will fail to restrain themselves.
As Americans, we train our soldiers well and expect the best. Sometimes we will still get the worst. This should not surprise us. When we decide to go to war we need to accept that it will not be a pleasant experience for anyone.
# posted by D. W. Eifert @ 4:45 PM