Semrau court-martial puts 'soldier's pact' to the test

[Oregone]

The battle had ended and the Taliban insurgent was disarmed and seriously wounded – badly enough that one onlooker said whether he lived or died was in “Allah’s hands.”

But instead of arranging medical attention, Canadian Army Captain Robert Semrau fired two bullets into the insurgent’s body – an act that he later described to a subordinate as a mercy killing of sorts, military prosecutors allege.

Just before the incident, prosecutors say, Capt. Semrau told the interpreter and a Canadian private to leave the scene. “Turn around and … head back. You do not, or should not, have to see this,” prosecutors say he said.

Moments after a “double-tap” of shots rang out, Capt. Semrau told the private that “he couldn’t live with himself if he left an injured human being – and that no one should suffer like that,” the prosecution said.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/semrau-court-martial-puts-soldiers-pact-to-the-test/article1510277/

[WhiteTara]

1. war is hell. n/t

[Oregone]

2. That it is, and thats why its sad when people advocate it

War is atrocity, death, murder and chaos. Just as you cannot go to McDonald's and order a burger without far, you cannot order your war without hell.

Its sad to put these young people in situations and expect them to act like college philosophy professors. I don't know the circumstances surrounding this incident, but its sounds very nuanced.

[WhiteTara]

3. It makes me feel sick to my stomach

to think of it. I can't imagine having to live with it.