While a despicable act, I am not surprised by the behaviour, seeing that the regime is known for its ruthlessness. I can only think of Stalin who was equally cruel to his own people.
But surely the US and UK should have seen this coming? After all, it *is* an invasion of Iraq no matter how justified/unjustified (depends on one's point of view) it is. Did the partisans in occupied Europe play by the rules in WW2? I don't think so. We can expect such things to continue.
As a general in the Armchair Corps (
) what the Coalition Forces should do is to tighten up their ROE. Expect that all such surrenders are a ruse, and prepare accordingly. Make the onus of proving that the surrender is genuine on the Iraqis. Make it clear to them that should the surrender be a ruse, no mercy will be shown.