Envoy accuses US of murder
IRAQ’S new ambassador to the US said yesterday US forces cold-bloodedly shot and killed his cousin last year in Haditha.
It is the same town where marines are alleged to have gone on a rampage, killing 24 civilians.
Samir Shakir al-Sumaidaie’s accusations — aired just hours after President George Bush welcomed him at the White House — came as the US military faced growing pressure to complete its investigation into the Haditha deaths.
Ambassador Samir al-Sumaidaie said his relative was shot dead five months before the November killing of 24 civilians.
The ambassador said Mohammed al-Sumaidaie, a bookish 21-year-old engineering student, was killed after opening the door of the family house to US marines on June 25.
“I believe he was killed intentionally. I believe he was killed unnecessarily,” Mr al-Sumaidaie said.
heraldsun.com
U.S., Allied Troops in Iraq to Undergo ‘Core Values’ Training
Even before the final report is delivered, Army Gen. George W. Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, today ordered that all U.S. and allied troops in Iraq undergo new “core values” training in how to operate professionally and humanely. Not only will leaders discuss how to treat civilians under the rules of engagement, but small units also will be ordered to go through training scenarios to gauge their understanding of those rules.
The training, to include slide-shows, would highlight ”the importance of adhering to legal, moral and ethical standards on the battlefield,” said Lt. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, Multi-National Corps-Iraq commander in a statement today. “As military professionals,” he said, “it is important that we take time to reflect on the values that separate us from our enemies.”
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