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September 05, 2007

The 'Haditha Massacre'

...'conspiracy' and media witch hunt continues to fall apart, thank God.

A two star general and two other officers were censured Wednesday for failing to promptly investigate the killings of 24 civilians at Haditha, Iraq, but were cleared of a coverup, the military said.

... Marines killed 24 Iraqi civilians at Haditha on November 19, 2005 but commanders did not investigate the deaths until the following February after a investigative report into the killings by Time magazine.

"The essential issue was that ... no investigation was initiated immediately," the marine officer said.

... "Our goal has been to do it as expeditious as possible, but these were substantial cases and huge investigations," the marine officer said.


Their careers are effectively ended. A recap so far...
A total of eight marines were initially charged in connection with the Haditha deaths.

Four were charged with murder while four senior officers were accused of failing to properly investigate the killings.

Of the four marines charged with murder, two have since had charges withdrawn, while allegations against a third are also expected to be dismissed.


There was a quick mention of this new development on World News Tonight. No where near the hyperbole that accompanied the original, lurid reports.

Imagine that.

Posted by tree hugging sister at September 5, 2007 06:38 PM

Comments

I admire Col Davis and I enjoyed having him as our regimental commander while in Iraq. I have great respect for him.

I'm sorry this has happened, but such is the burden of command.

Charges are still pending against the biggest fish to fry, SSgt Wuterich. Don't count on his charges being dismissed.

Posted by: Skyler at September 5, 2007 08:39 PM

Their careers are effectively ended.

Pretty much. But as Skyler notes, such is the burden of command.

Posted by: The_Real_JeffS at September 5, 2007 11:30 PM