good stuff, but incomplete

http://collateralmurder.com/

Pretty graphic--an Apache vs. a man is a pretty brutal confrontation. Taken out of context it's easy to assume that it was a cold-blooded murder, but I'm not sure I'd have made different calls if I were circling above that courtyard. Those cameras looked like they might have been weapons.

It's not clear in the video, but if that group had been designated as terrorists, it does not matter how hostile they seem, they're legitimate targets. The problem being, of course, that they may have been mis-identified.

Also, I think that the Apache pilots assumed they were operating under a time constraint, and that they'd lose the opportunity to strike if they had to appeal to a high level for approval to engage. If it is indeed a time issue, the approval authority to strike is at a lower level, making the strike much more likely to occur.

> Those cameras looked like they might have been weapons.

Of course, those pilots knew they were weapons before ever seeing them, before even leaving the base on the mission.

RT is not Reuters, but 'Russia Today', not quite as reputable afaik. Tag change plz?

>> ^Crake:

RT is not Reuters, but 'Russia Today', not quite as reputable afaik. Tag change plz?


1) The story is about Reuters reporters being shot, that's what the tag is about I'm sure.
2) Does reputability come into it if it's an isolated interview?

>> ^alizarin:

>> ^Crake:
RT is not Reuters, but 'Russia Today', not quite as reputable afaik. Tag change plz?

1) The story is about Reuters reporters being shot, that's what the tag is about I'm sure.
2) Does reputability come into it if it's an isolated interview?


Oooh right... hadn't thought that far. But yes, reputability is pretty important in any case, but the RT logo is right there on the screen I guess, so it's not a biggie.

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/collateral-murder-baghdad-anything

Another perspective that balances that of WikiLeaks. Hate if you will, but the best approach is to get above the emotional response and examine it dispassionately.