New American GI Muslim Abuse Allegations - Watch the Arab Media Spin This One (updated 10/20)
By Andrew Cochran
There are allegations out of Afghanistan, made by a cameraman working for an Australian network and embedded with the 82nd Airborne, that U.S. soldiers burned the bodies of two killed Taliban fighters and then broadcast "an inflammatory message over loudspeakers to taunt and bait the enemy." Both the alleged burning and the alleged taunting would be severe violations of military rules and grounds for tough disciplinary action. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division has initiated an investigation: "This command takes all allegations of misconduct or inappropriate behavior seriously and has directed an investigation into circumstances surrounding this allegation. If the allegation is substantiated, the appropriate course of action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and corrective action will be taken." CENTCOM has issued a statement condemning any such action: "Under no circumstances does U.S. Central Command condone the desecration, abuse or inappropriate treatment of enemy combatants. Such actions are contrary to U.S. policy as well as the Geneva Convention." The video which purports to show the event has not been seen on American TV as of this posting (UPDATE 10/20: NBC News has aired portions, and it appears as it was described by the cameraman, complete with the English language version of the taunts). I have trouble believing that members of the 82nd Airborne are stupid enough to put themselves, their buddies, and all American soldiers in harm's way like this, but we'll see (UPDATE 10/20: It looks pretty stupid). Regardless, I'm sure the Arab media will play it up and continue to ignore or minimize both Saddam Hussein's cruelties during his reign of terror and the chilling stories of murder and intimidation perpetrated in the name of the caliphate by Al-Zarqawi and his thugs.
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