I'd been avoiding the topic of the marines' pissing on Afghan bodies (presumably Taliban casualties) in the last few days mostly because I thought the issue was already getting way too much ink. Yes, desecration of bodies is both unlawful and unethical -- and these Marines have been identified and will be punished. It was an isolated incident and is not representative of our soldiers' conduct in the field (If it were, you can bet the media would be running this circus 24/7 with a steady perp walk of assorted Marine miscreants). Case closed.

But if I may use this occasion to point out some small feature of this war in Afghanistan, it is that while incidents like these from our side are given worldwide coverage, the Taliban's serial violations of the Geneva Conventions merit almost no reporting at all.

When was the last time you heard a news report on the Taliban's refusal to wear uniforms? This is a basic requirement of any armed force, allowing armies to distinguish who they are fighting and avoid civilian casualties. The Taliban don't do it. Hell, no jihadist movement in the world does it.

Then there's the Taliban's habit of commandeering homes...More >>