In its infinite wisdom, our government (which btw I loyally serve as long as they pay me) has sent a 1000+ contingent of marines to help 'stabilize' Iraq, based on allied intelligence reports indicating a serious WMD threat.

So far, our Dutch sovereignty has been maintained (some 5000 miles away from home) at the cost of handful of fatalities, both by enemy fire and stupid accidents, and a court battle between the government and a marine who accidentally killed an innocent Iraqi bystander with a warning shot (?!) during an otherwise insignifcant civil riot. This court battle is currently tearing our country apart, with many people feeling that although this experienced sergeant contravened the rules of engagement, he should be let off the hook because he was doing his duty in a actual war zone at the time. His case has now reached the court of appeal, and he has become a national hero.

There are two complicating factors in this case: one is the fact that officially, we're not at war with Iraq, and under the circumstances this sergeant had no legitimate reason to fire a warning shot. Secondly, a few years ago, our military law was radically overhauled, and military trials are now instigated by ordinary public prosecutors (I think you'd call them DAs) before a civil court, instead of a usual panel of military officers. Many feel that only the military can judge the military, especially so when the case revolves around a real act of war, instead of your average disciplinary hearing involving guards caught asleep on duty.

Go to http://www.coxar.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ and don't be fooled by the appearance of this page.

Have a great day, -Wil