3.31.2003

WARn out

• As the war in Iraq fizzles along (troops are under-supplied, and "shock and awe" clearly didn't), Pentagon insiders say it's Rumsfeld's fault, according to a new New Yorker article. As allegations surface that Rumsfeld and his cadre of civilian advisors have been over-ruling Tommy Franks and the traditionally held rules of engagement, dissent is mounting in the British forces too: three soldiers in the 16th Air Assault Brigade are being sent home for court martial because they "complained about the way the war is being fought and the growing danger to civilians."

• Here's how CNN's Aaron Brown began his interview with peace activist Daniel Ellsberg. Note the less-than-objective premise he starts out with, then read Ellsberg's right-on-the-money response: "The Iraqi political strategy is in large part to use the anti-war demonstrations around the world to create political pressure on the coalition governments to stand down, cease fire and stop the war. In that regard, are you playing into the hands of what I think you would even acknowledge is a very bad regime."

• American GIs in the Gulf are required to pray for the president every day (well, he doesneed it). The pamphlet "A Christian's Duty" includes verses like "Pray that the President and his advisers will seek God and his wisdom daily and not rely on their own understanding" and "Pray that the President and his advisers will be strong and courageous to do what is right regardless of critics".

• A British soldier injured by a friendly fire attack from a US anti-tank aircraft that killed one, injured three and destroyed two armored vehicles: "Combat is what I’ve been trained for. I can command my vehicle. I can keep it from being attacked. What I have not been trained to do is look over my shoulder to see whether an American is shooting at me.” He described the American pilot as a cowboy with "no regard for human life."

• US Marines fire on civilians at the "Bridge of Death," killing 12 or more: "One man's body was still in flames. It gave out a hissing sound. Tucked away in his breast pocket, thick wads of banknotes were turning to ashes. His savings, perhaps."

• Read "When 'Precision' Bombing Isn't: Iraqi Civilians Learn the Lesson of Afghanistan," a study by Marc W. Herold, professor of Economics and Women's Studies at the University of New Hampshire.

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