With yesterday’s video of US Marines urinating on the corpses of slain Afghans continuing to make the rounds, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta chimed in today, suggesting this isn’t the sort of thing US Marines are supposed to do.
Panetta termed the action “entirely inappropriate for members of the United States military,” adding that it does not “reflect the standards” of the American armed forces. Panetta’s comments largely reflect the comments of Marine Corps officials, who also said urinating on corpses was “not consistent with our core values.”
Secretary Panetta contacted Afghan President Hamid Karzai, assuring him that the military will launch a “full investigation” into the incident. Karzai reportedly termed the situation “completely inhumane.”
The Marines say that at least two of the four soldiers in the video have already been identified, saying they are based out of Camp Lejeune. They said it was unclear when the video was taken.
im of the mind that the problem was more in the turning living people in to corpses rather than the treatment of the dead bodies
The tenth U.S. soldier to die already this year in Afghanistan was reported killed on Jan. 10, in Parwan province. No cause of death was released in the DOD report. The "success" of the Afghan war continues.
"…“entirely inappropriate for members of the United States military,” adding that it does not “reflect the standards” of the American armed forces."
Where to start…"Entirely Inappropraite!!??" How about COMPLETELY BARBARIC!!! How about COMPLETELY SADISTIC!!!……………..moron.
And as for not reflecting the "satndards," I might suggest that after GITMO and abu Ghraib and what is going on in the Afghanistan detention centers and you stay away, far away from drawing attention to "standards" applicable to the American armed forces. Just a suggestion, you know…
I wonder how long it's going to take before the Corp releases the names and hometowns of these fine examples of "Semper fidelis" – I'm sure their parents are going to be very, very proud. Of course, there's the distinct possibility that they will be proud, isn't there.
Same day the media picked up on this video, coverage of the Haditha trial touched on a Marine who urinated on a dead Iraqi.
The Taliban will use this to show how Christians are abusing Muslims. The marines need to be more sensitive to this. Their frustration is really starting to show.
hillary said it's "inconsistent with American values." Just what American values are we displaying in this endless war against everyone anyway?
Not surprised! It is very much consistent with American Values! Americans have killed 1.5 million iraquis. Each and every American is responsible. Bot Bush and his cohorts?
Let's see, it's "entirely inappropriate" for soldiers to urinate on a dead body but is entirely appropriate for drones to murder women and children in their homes.
Panetta and Clinton don't get this "upset' over Afghan civilian murders!
inappropriate like stabbing your mother and strangling your children? What does it take to be outraged?
So are the Marines up on charges of 'conduct unbecoming of a Marine' or will this get swept under the rug like most other incidents? If they DO get any UCMJ action, will their punishment be the very minimum called for? Or are they getting free beer out in town?
Can't help but think they'll get the max. Gotta pretend they care, right?
Unfortunately, it DOES "reflect the standards" of U. S. troops. This country needs an enema.
A enema won't suffice for a body that has terminal cancer.
From vetrens I've heard talk and others this is more common than not,and to say other wise is a lie.People back from Iraq and Afganistan have said the crimes they were orderd to commite.Wonder why there are so many suicides.How do you consider yourself a humain after mudering innocent civilians and urinating on them, and many other inhumain things.They play it like its uncommon, but its more common than not.
Cute statement, Leon, very cute.
The person who should be fearing for his/her life right now is the one who released the video. How dare them show our trained killers doing something that even douchebags like panneta and clinton can't spin away.
unbecoming conduct? these guys are marines for crying out loud…this is what they do…scout snipers are the best of the best…they can kill you from a mile away…very brave indeed…jeez our heroes were just having fun..after all the enemy were dead..lighten up already what is one more dead raghead more or less
It's apparently inappropriate to film it.