Shooting Iraqi Looters

The new American administrator for postwar Iraq, L. Paul Bremer, announced yesterday that U.S. military troops will be issued revised rules of engagement authorizing execution of looters in Baghdad. New Policy in Iraq to Authorize G.I.'s to Shoot Looters.

A tougher approach over all appears to be at the core of Mr. Bremer's mandate from President Bush to save the victory in Iraq from a descent into anarchy, a possibility feared by some Iraqi political leaders if steps are not taken quickly to check violence and lawlessness. But these guys are making it up as they go along. How can the US come out of this with our interests and reputation enhanced if we cannot deal with the inevitable anarchy that follows the collapse of civilian rule? Seems like the United States government wants to have it both ways -- win the war but stay out of winning the peace. They're either really slow, really dumb or both.

 Posted by glenn