Quote:
Originally posted by Ronn_Bman:
You have a point, but herding Shiite women and children into the streets during combat or to prevent combat, or placing them within the ranks of military units are things that should be unacceptable for all. Working out of hospitals or schools or mosques or parking military vehicles near these sites should also be deplored because of the willingness to risk the innocent.
If it were me, I might not abide by all the rules if faced with an overwhelming force, but I wouldn't use human shield's. I wouldn't put woman and children between me and the enemy in an effort to buy time or even save myself. I think this, in and of itself, is proof that the Iraqi army isn't fighting to save it's people.
|
I agree with everything you said, Ronn, but I'm realistic enough to realise that for a desperate regime (one that pays money to families of suicide bombers and other terrorists) there is no such thing as "fair play" or "morality". They will do whatever they have to do to win, or defend their country, because they believe that what they are doing is right. That's the bottom line.
Like Cerek said, the British complained about the same thing during the American Revolution - they complained that the Americans targetting their officers for snipe attacks was "just not cricket" (ie not fair). But it's always what's been done by a ragtag army facing an overwhelming force. This shouldn't have come as a surprise to anyone - if the Pentagon is surprised at this they must be incredibly naive.
The bottom line is: it's war. Trust no one.