Iraqis Enjoying American-Style Freedoms...

[Andrew Turner]

...like the right to Free Speech, and to Assemble.

It's nice to live in a free, democtatic country, isn't it?

It should be noted-- the irony, that is.

According to the article, 50,000+ Iraqi citizens took to the streets of Baghdad in protest of the US military presence-- an action enabled by that very presence...

[Kruelaid]

That's cool in a strange sort of way.

American soldiers and mercenary 'contractors' remain above the law, however....

[Radavel]

Evidently, Iraqis also have the right to bear arms ... and use them on ....

[Andrew Turner]

I hope no-one believes US Soldiers are committing crimes in Iraq and getting by scott-free.

Soldiers who might break the law are punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which in most cases is stricter than US civil and criminal code.

Right now, Iraq and the US are forming a Status of Forces Agreement, which will include such provisions as allowing a US Soldier to be subject to host nation (Iraq) jurisprudence, under certain conditions.

For those interested, The UCMJ.

[Radavel]

I am willing to give the US Military the benefit of the doubt that no one gets scott free from punishment for alleged crimes committed in Iraq, if they will return the Balangiga Bells.

[mwbeeler]

I'm deeply worried at the thought of even the guilty being tried in such a kangaroo court.

Oh, and rest assured, when I become Overlord of the Continental Americas, you'll get your bells.

[LazarX]

Andrew Turner wrote:

I hope no-one believes US Soldiers are committing crimes in Iraq and getting by scott-free.

Perhaps you miss this but a large percentage of the forces fighting under American command are not soldiers but mercenaries that operate outside of the rules binding American soldiers, from what I see outside any rules at all. Much of the crimes committed under the American banner are done on thier hands.

Iraqis on the other hand aren't in a mood to make these distinctions. When they see troops paid by America, using American equipment, to commit what amounts to be war crimes, they aren't likely to care whether those responsible are soldiers or mercenaries.

[Bryan]

LazarX wrote:

Perhaps you miss this but a large percentage of the forces fighting under American command are not soldiers but mercenaries that operate outside of the rules binding American soldiers, from what I see outside any rules at all. Much of the crimes committed under the American banner are done on thier hands.

Do you have anything to back this up? What is "a large percentage"?

[Radavel]

mwbeeler wrote:

Oh, and rest assured, when I become Overlord of the Continental Americas, you'll get your bells.

Might I entice you to plant the flag of freedom and your overlordship over my nation and make it a state of the union? At least that way, I don't need a visa.

[mwbeeler]

Radavel wrote:

Might I entice you to plant the flag of freedom and your overlordship over my nation and make it a state of the union? At least that way, I don't need a visa.

Well, we'll need some public works projects, so I suppose we could build a land-bridge.

[LazarX]

Bryan wrote:

LazarX wrote:

Perhaps you miss this but a large percentage of the forces fighting under American command are not soldiers but mercenaries that operate outside of the rules binding American soldiers, from what I see outside any rules at all. Much of the crimes committed under the American banner are done on thier hands.

Do you have anything to back this up? What is "a large percentage"?

According to this article from the Red Cross it's at least 15 percent. You can find more such articles on your own time if you're interested in learning further.