In his book, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth describes instructing troops to ignore legal advice regarding the rules of engagement in Iraq, emphasizing a need to destroy threats without restrictions. He also criticized constraints placed on soldiers and expressed admiration for commanders who encouraged aggressive actions. This stance, along with his role in pardoning or supporting soldiers accused of war crimes, has drawn scrutiny, particularly in light of an incident where he allegedly ordered the killing of all survivors in a Caribbean drug boat incident. Experts like David Crane have criticized Hegseth’s views, emphasizing the importance of following the rules of engagement and the negative impact of such actions on military professionalism.
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In the Iraqi town of Haditha, a survivor recounts the day her family was killed when US marines opened fire in their home. A recent BBC Eye investigation has unveiled evidence implicating two marines who were never tried for the crime, raising questions about the American investigation. The killings, part of the Haditha massacre, saw US marines kill 24 Iraqi civilians, yet no one was ever convicted. This incident remains a significant example of the challenges in holding US armed forces accountable.
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Dick Cheney, a prominent conservative figure, and former Vice President under George W. Bush, has passed away at 84 due to complications from illness. Throughout his career, Cheney held significant positions, including White House Chief of Staff, Secretary of Defense, and a Wyoming Congressman, shaping U.S. policy for decades. A key advocate for the Iraq War, Cheney often operated behind the scenes, wielding considerable influence, and later became a target of criticism, particularly from his own daughter. He also played a crucial role in shaping the younger Bush’s presidency, and in post-administration, he supported Democratic candidates.
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Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a prominent figure in American politics, has passed away at the age of 84. Cheney served as Vice President under George W. Bush, playing a key role in the “War on Terror” and the Iraq War, which were marked by controversy. Despite his long history in the Republican party, Cheney became a vocal critic of Donald Trump in his later years. Cheney’s political career was marked by significant influence in Washington, though his legacy remains complex.
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In the aftermath of the US invasion of Iraq, there were parallels drawn to the current conflict, where the premise for war was based on false pretenses. Similarly, as in the Iraq war, concerns over Iran’s nuclear program are based on inflated claims, despite evidence from US intelligence agencies and the UN indicating no current nuclear weapon development. Despite the lack of direct evidence, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to claim Iran is close to developing a nuclear weapon and has drawn the US into a conflict. This is similar to Netanyahu’s previous actions with Iraq.
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Senator Sanders criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s past support for the Iraq War, citing the war’s devastating human and financial costs as evidence of Netanyahu’s flawed judgment. Sanders linked this past error to Netanyahu’s current stance on Iran, arguing against U.S. involvement in any potential conflict. President Trump, while opposing Iranian nuclear weapons, stated he would decide within two weeks on potential U.S. military intervention, considering the possibility of future negotiations with Iran. Trump’s stance prioritizes preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
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Driven by faulty intelligence and Israeli pressure, President Trump is on the brink of war with Iran, mirroring the disastrous Iraq War. This decision, despite widespread opposition and substantial risks, echoes Trump’s past criticisms of the Bush administration’s Iraq invasion. The conflict is predicated on false claims of imminent Iranian nuclear capability, contradicted by US intelligence agencies. Trump’s actions, including the withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the assassination of a top Iranian general, have significantly escalated tensions and paved the way for this potential war.
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Former UK Special Forces members have revealed eyewitness accounts of alleged war crimes, including the execution of unarmed civilians and detainees, in Iraq and Afghanistan. These allegations, spanning over a decade, involve both the SAS and SBS, detailing practices such as planting weapons on bodies and falsifying reports to conceal unlawful killings. The testimony includes accounts of systematic killings, with some soldiers admitting to an addictive pursuit of kills and a “mob mentality.” This new evidence, including video footage, significantly expands upon previous reports and reveals that then-Prime Minister David Cameron received repeated warnings about these actions.
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In a recent interview, US Vice President JD Vance urged European nations to exhibit greater independence from the United States, critiquing their historical role as “vassals.” He specifically cited the Iraq War, suggesting stronger European opposition could have prevented the conflict’s negative consequences. While acknowledging some European nations correctly opposed the war, Vance believes a more robust, unified stance would have been beneficial. This call for greater European autonomy follows previous criticisms of European defense spending and immigration policies.
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In a 2015 statement, Carter defined American superpower status not just by military might, but by championing peace, human rights, environmental protection, and global generosity, noting the nation’s relatively infrequent periods of peace. He further criticized the 2004 Iraq War, calling it a conflict predicated on falsehoods originating from both the U.S. and British governments. These views highlight Carter’s consistent emphasis on ethical foreign policy and a reassessment of American global power.
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John Q. Hosedrinker