Oregonian,

Yes, men in combat do crack, and Mai Lai type things do happen. However, being stressed out isn't recognized by law as an excuse for murder.

The bystanding Iraqis are under no obligation to assist the U.S. army. We are an occupation force in fact, if not by intent. Iraqis resent the occupation of their country by foreign invaders, even "victorious" ones, if you can call ours that. It may or may not be in their interest to assist our soldiers. It might help shorten the occupation, but it might also lead to their own deaths by insurgents for aiding the occupiers. There are a lot of no-win alternatives associated with this conflict, mostly created by the U.S.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.