This is what we have sunk to

Ethics lessons for US Iraq troops

2006/06/01
17:47:29 GMT
BBC News

US-led troops in Iraq are to undergo ethical training in the wake of the alleged murder of civilians in Haditha.
For the next 30 days, they will receive lessons in "core warrior values", a military statement said.

Correspondents say Haditha, where US marines are suspected of massacring up to 24 Iraqi civilians, could have a huge effect on US public opinion.

The Iraqi prime minister has condemned the suspected massacre, adding he would conduct his own investigation.

"The cabinet... denounces these practices and will form an investigative committee," said Nouri Maliki.

In a separate incident, US forces were accused of shooting dead a pregnant woman as she was rushed to hospital.

The US military says at least three other cases of alleged misconduct are being investigated, though no details have been given.

The news of ethical training for US-led troops is likely to be greeted with cynicism by many Iraqis, the BBC's Ian Pannell in Baghdad says, as the troops have long been accused of deliberately targeting civilians.

Lieutenant-General Peter Chiarelli, commander of the Multinational Corps in Iraq, said in a statement that 99.9% of his troops "perform their jobs magnificently every day".

"Unfortunately, there are a few individuals who sometimes choose the wrong path," he said.

He said the training would emphasise "professional military values and the importance of disciplined, professional conduct in combat" as well as Iraqi cultural expectations, according to the statement.

Excuse me, but aren't they "trained" on this before they are shipped off with live ammunition? Haven't we learned anything from the Vietnam experience... you aren't going to save a nation if you destroy it.