U.S. Marines identify unit shown in video urinating on Taliban corpses
Source: The National Post
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Marines believe they have identified the troops seen urinating in a shocking video on the corpses of insurgents in Afghanistan, a senior American military official said Thursday.
The video, which shows what appear to be American forces urinating on dead Taliban fighters, prompted anger in Afghanistan, but the insurgent group said it would not harm nascent efforts to broker peace talks.
Posted on YouTube and other websites, the video shows four men in camouflage Marine combat uniforms urinating on three corpses. One of them jokes: “Have a nice day, buddy.” Another makes a lewd joke.
The Pentagon has “identified them” and their originating base in the United States, said the official on condition of anonymity, effectively dampening speculation about whether or not the men pictured were actually U.S. personnel.
Read more: http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/01/12/u-s-marines-identify-unit-shown-in-video-urinating-on-taliban-corpses/
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
fascisthunter
(29,381 posts)...but war and the wrong individuals will always supply us with these headlines. How many haven't been caught... do not believe they were the only ones doing this. But wonder why some choose to directly make this possible.
nvme
(872 posts)It reflects poorly on us, their behavior reminds me of Abu Gharib. A commander lost control of his people .
And loaded it on youtube? What a moron!
Ash_F
(5,861 posts)Dressed in rags and lacking shoes. They look like that in most of these types of videos that I have seen in the last decade. Our boys must be pretty proud to have defeated such a great threat to our way of life.
JustABozoOnThisBus
(24,654 posts)"Our boys" didn't pick this fight. That was done by leaders on both sides. Well-fed, well-shod leaders on our side.
"Our boys" probably don't think much about a threat to "our way of life". They're probably much more focused on just trying to survive the day, the patrol. They just want to defeat the little band of fighters who are shooting at them, right now. They just want to get home in one piece.
"Our boys" are probably not "big-picture" types. That 50,000-foot-view is reserved for leaders at home, and for those of us on the internets.
"Our boys" are pretty good at shooting the enemy fighters and at blowing things up. They've probably added some inappropriate behavior to their post-victory end-zone dances, even in past wars. Adrenaline is a strange drug. But now, they're ill-trained to operate in this new environment, where video goes global in an instant, and the consequences rain down from public outrage and political finger-pointing.
It sucks to be those four (or five) Marines right now.
PavePusher
(15,374 posts)unionworks
(3,574 posts)I think some of those outraged by the behavior of these Marines need to read up on the Taliban a little...
Ash_F
(5,861 posts)People rush in with the "read up on America" line.
Ash_F
(5,861 posts)For war crimes.
unionworks
(3,574 posts)I didn't see any apology
Ash_F
(5,861 posts)I assure you that is not the case. For people to have such a warped view takes some willingness on the part of the individual. I am not happy with our leadership either, but people choose to follow them. Besides, congress and Obama never ordered them to desecrate corpses.
The Afghans will not go the the same lengths to excuse foreign soldiers, nor would any objective outsider.
Have you ever been in comat, or even known anyone who has? When I was in high school I became friends with a foreign exchange student from Afghanistan. When we got involved there, I often remembered and wondered about him. He was a true friend. The Talib are a different story.
Ash_F
(5,861 posts)You probably understand why. But no I have not been in combat and yes I know people who have in this and other conflicts. And from other countries. Including a former Iranian soldier who saw combat against the Taliban in Iran's drug war on the border. The guy is pretty stoic and sullen; scowls all the time.
My opinion of the Taliban is also irrelevant to this topic even if those people were members(which we don't know btw). But it seems very relevant to you. I'm not a fan, but I can see why they have been gaining support over the past ten years in the face of Kabul and ISAF's corrupt and brutal governance.
One look at those starved, destitute bodies and you should see to.
unionworks
(3,574 posts)...is DIRECTLY RELEVANT TO THIS DISCUSSION. PLEASE ENLIGHTEN US.
unionworks
(3,574 posts)During a gym class, an "all american" redneck asshole didn't like the fact that I was sitting next to Muhammed talking with him. So he walked up and sucker punched me in the face. Muhammed got up, grabbed this guy by the arm, and flung him 8 feet across the gym floor. The idiot didn't come back for more. The Afghans are a proud people with a warrior history and a culture to be proud of. It brings me nothing but sadness to see them caught in this struggle. And I mean that with all mmy heart.
Charlemagne
(576 posts)Because you were 100% right on the response to this story
http://slatest.slate.com/posts/2012/01/15/rick_perry_marines_urinating_on_corpses_were_just_kids_shouldn_t_face_criminal_charges.html
RebelOne
(30,947 posts)peoples' hatred toward Americans.
unionworks
(3,574 posts)...released a statementthat this incident would not affect talks with the U.S.. And I have news for you- most people in that region hate us anyway. Bush made sure of that.
BlueIris
(29,135 posts)What makes me even sadder is knowing it is likely not the first time, nor will it be the last, something like this happens. Awful.
unionworks
(3,574 posts)...every day. It is not the first time, nor will it be the last. Awful.