Quote:
Originally Posted by dave6x
If it is going to happen then it needs to be done properly. It should be a top down process similar to the Nuremberg Trials, where first the leaders are put on trial before there is any trial of individual servicemen.
It is very easy for us to sit back in our homes casting judgement on soldiers involved in these unfortunate incidents and in the worst cases then some action may need to be taken through the Courts Martial process. However please have some understanding of what some of these soldiers have gone through, seriously traumatised by seeing their mates and colleagues blown up or shot by "the enemy", and put yourself in their situation. I don't know how I would react and suspect many others don't either, the best training in the world will not counter the brutalizing impact that may adversely affect the judgement of some soldiers in these circumstances!
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There is a difference between this scenario. and the trials of Nazis after WW2.
Individual SS members and concentration camp commanders were following orders to torture and kill prisoners on security or racial grounds. The hierarchy from Hitler down were responsible for giving those orders. Our leaders of the time in 2003, ( The jury is still out on the legality of the 2nd Iraq War), required our generals and their troops to fight a war within modern rules of engagement. If individual troops or officers did not follow the rules then they may be liable for prosecution.
The 2nd part of your argument I mostly agree with, but I think the abuses we are talking about are ones that were carried out away from the battle, in interrogation rooms or prisoner cells.