STATE DEPT. CONDEMNS TARGETED KILLINGS OF UDAY AND QUSAY HUSSEIN. CALLS FOR DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION
State Dept. Daily Press Briefing March 5, 2002
MR. BOUCHER: "We have been quite clear about our view on targeted killings. We have been very deeply concerned about them. We have made clear that we strongly oppose the Israeli policy of targeted killings."
(7-23-03:BBC News) The U.S. State Dept. today strongly condemned the targeted killings of Uday and Qusay Hussein. Spokesman Richard Boucher said “We intend to take this matter to the United Nations. All sides need to avoid provocative acts if we are to arrive at a peaceful settlement of outstanding issues between the U.S. Dept. of Defense and Saddam Hussein’s supporters." Meanwhile, speaking on Israeli TV of Israel’s policy of targeted killings, Sec’y Powell said (5-12-03): “…how effective is this in terms of actually moving forward with the process? So, we have always spoken out against these kinds of actions, and we hoped that they can be contained in the future…” He now added that to be consistent "we must oppose with equal vigor such methods when used by the United States."
The State Dept. quickly gained support for its position from anti-war critics in Congress, including Charles Rangel (Dem., N.Y.) who said on the Hannity and Colmes show (7-22-03) that killing Uday and Qusay had no legal basis since there was no proof offered that either of them was responsible for the deaths of American soldiers. Presidential candidate Richard Gephardt added that it was yet another instance of crude and “macho”, very un-French behavior by our military. He was shocked by rumors that the President reacted in cowboy fashion to the death of Saddam's sons by chortling: "Now let's Bag Dad". Gephardt promised a more sensitive, caring and empathic military when he is President.
Surely this is a joke. Not an unlikely scenario, tho.
Posted by: Mike Q on July 23, 2003 04:25 PMRegarding the comments of (one--among several--front-running democrat sissies) "Gephardt promised a more sensitive, caring and empathic military when he is President."
[Yes, let's turn war into a form of therapy, of the Rogerian variety, if you can call saying "Uh huh" a lot, therapy.]
One tries--largely in vain--to imagine what (outside of a closed ward inhabited soley by comedians gone mad) that would be.
Drill Intructor: "Now men and women, when you squeeze off a burst at an oncoming wave of islamokillers, make sure to hum a few bars from the Good Ship Lollipop. You know, so the whole thing is more pleasant for everyone involved."
"Also, remember to show empathy for the enemy who have been trying to kill you and who are now in your rifle sights. For example, as the first rounds hit them, say, 'Oooo, I bet THAT smarts.'"
"Make sure never to say, 'Ha! Gotcha, bloody bastard!' Instead, dab at your eyes with a hanky and say, 'Oh, me. And also Oh my.'"
Executive Order number 7.
"All military vehicles will be painted in various configurations of mauve, puce, violet, and bone white. Soldiers will coordinate uniforms with the colors of their vehicles. Soldiers will refer to these color schemes with words such as fabu and divine."
Posted by: Martin Kozloff on July 24, 2003 02:28 PM