The decision to charge three Australian soldiers with what amounts to a " war crime " will not go down well with the troops serving in Afghanistan. Fighting insurgents who wear no uniform and who hide amongst the civilian population removes most of the certainties of the battlefield. It makes civilian casualties almost inevitable.
There are certainly rules of engagement that apply, but paramount must be the right to defend oneself - and that involves returning fire.
The Taliban have no respect for the civilian population unless they unswervingly support their extreme religious views. They willingly use them in dangerous situations to create scenarios to disparage the activities of our troops. It would seem that our military authorities have risen to this bait.
The coming trial will weaken morale and result in added danger for our soldiers. Who can blame them for walking away from confrontation if any action taken can be construed as a war crime - and result in that action being second guessed in the unforgiving atmosphere of a military court room ?
The right of self defence must always be at the discretion of the troops involved !
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