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[Keio]

Didn't see this posted yet.

The Pentagon said yesterday it was investigating cockpit video footage that shows American pilots attacking and killing a group of apparently unarmed Iraqi civilians.

The 30-second clip shows the pilot targeting the group of people in a street in the city of Fallujah and asking his mission controllers whether he should "take them out". He is told to do so and, shortly afterwards, the footage shows a huge explosion where the people were. A second voice can be heard on the clip saying: "Oh, dude."

The existence of the video, taken last April inside the cockpit of a US F-16 fighter has been known for some time, though last night's broadcast by Channel 4 News is believed to be the first time a mainstream broadcaster has shown the footage.

At no point during the exchange between the pilot and controllers does anyone ask whether the Iraqis are armed or posing a threat. Critics say it proves war crimes are being committed.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/video1011.htm

 

[Tommie Hu$tle]

What's the problem. He asked for permission to use force and it was granted. IMO the piliot is in the clear he only did what he was ordered to do.

 

[Vennt]

I recall an awful lot of "cheerleading" online for them getting the "terrorists" when this footage appeared online and was sickened, this news only amplifies the sheer amount of disgust I have for pro-War supporters. But then I'm an evil left-leaning peacenik.

At best, war should be an unfortunate necessity following the breakdown of diplomacy.

It should never become a spectator sport.

Too late for that now...

 

[Keio]

In my opinion, this is just another ugly example of the reality of war, to be contrasted with the statements from DOD about the "care that goes into targeting" etc.

Compared to sanitized footage supplied by embedded "journalists" this is a welcome change. Although I do detest people who sit in front of the tv and "watch the war" - it's the most sickening form of reality tv.

Anyway. Civilians are always caught in the crossfire either intentionally or unintentionally. "We are winning the hearts and minds of the people", right.

Smart bombs don't help if people dropping them and authorizing the dropping are not smart.

And of course, war just can not be used as a starting point for building a democracy.

 

[Iceman]

"And of course, war just can not be used as a starting point for building a democracy."

so the revolutionary war was what?

 

[Keio]

Good point, Iceman. Um, could "revolution" and "war" be considered two different things, as some marxist theorists have done?

Ok, new version: "an unprovoked invasion like this just can not be used as a starting point for building a democracy".

 

[JoshuaJSlone]

What's the problem. He asked for permission to use force and it was granted. IMO the piliot is in the clear he only did what he was ordered to do.

It didn't say that the aim of the investigation was necessarily to get the pilot. Just that they're investigating the video. From that they can determine how to slice up any blame that needs handed out.

 

[fennec fox]

Ripclawe was quick to post up the footage last April. Where was he with this story?