Home > Pentagon should halt pillage in Iraq
In ancient times, looting was as much of an invading army’s prerogative as soldiers’ pay. But this is the 21st century, and such a practice must have no part in the operation of a modern army - in particular the armed forces of the United States. Yet, in Iraq, thievery has besmirched the reputation of U.S. forces in the world’s eyes.
As detailed in the reporting of Newsday’s Ray Sanchez, Iraqi civilians allege - and human rights advocates have confirmed their charges - that U.S. forces searching for insurgents and terrorists raid homes and steal cash and other valuables.
In one case, Sanchez reported that a man arrested as a suspected terrorist at his home said he saw U.S. soldiers stuff several gold bracelets, necklaces, rings and about $3,500 in Iraqi dinars into pockets underneath their body armor.
That is shameful behavior, morally and legally wrong. It must not be overlooked in any way by U.S. military commanders. Such actions are grossly counterproductive to the aims of the U.S. mission in Iraq. They breed distrust and anger, contempt, even hate, among the very people whose help is needed to root out insurgents. They snuff out any willingness to cooperate with the United States in the daunting task of rebuilding Iraq into a civil and orderly society.
The real question, of course, is whether the soldiers’ looting is condoned by higher authority or whether it is the contemptible act of a small minority of troops. On this, military authorities are ambiguous. A Pentagon official said soldiers may confiscate items, such as weapons or money, from suspected insurgents if they believe what they take could be used against U.S. forces or to aid the resistance. Such seizures must be reported to commanders and receipts issued for confiscated items. Clearly that’s not always done; Army investigators are already probing 20 felony cases against U.S. soldiers. Prosecutions are mandatory, but so should be unambiguous mandates from top officials against pillage. hN