American Rules of Engagement

Below is a link to a clip showing a number of Iraqis being killed by American troops in an Apache attack helicopter. The point of view is from the helicopter cockpit, and the attack occurs during the night. The helicopter pilot and gunner are apparently using infrared imaging to get a clear view of the Iraqis.

The attack occured in December 2003, and it was instigated because the pilot of the helicopter felt the Iraqis were handling weapons, although evidence of that is impossible to discern on the clip. What is important to note, is that until the start of the helicopter's attack, the Iraqis are unaware they are being observed.

There are a number of things that are very disturbing about this clip. The most disturbing is that the Iraqis are killed based upon the suspicion that they are handling weapons. The Iraqis are not engaged in any form of attack on American forces, in fact, when they are attacked the second man killed may be trying to surrender by waving a rag. The third Iraqi man killed is initially wounded, but the command on the audio of the clip is clear that he be taken out, and he is.

Obviously the images in the clip are very disturbing, so take this into account before viewing them.

The point, however, that I am trying to make, beyond showing the incredible brutality of war, is that the American forces clearly have no compunction about killing Iraqis when the only evidence is suspicion. But just as important, American forces are willing to kill the clearly incapacitated. This kind of brutality is an unfortunate but exceptionally clear demonstration of why the United States will fail in Iraq. The attack was approved by US military commanders when the footage was subsequently reviewed. But the response is totally out of proportion to what can be considered reasonable given the circumstances. It is the idea of pre-emption taken to its obscene conclusion.

To view the clip click here. (NOTE: Due to high traffic the link may shut down periodically.)

For more information about the clip, click here.