Shake My Motherfucking Head!
A video has recently shown up on the internet that recorded troops of the United States Marines urinating on what appeared to be dead Taliban members. It was sparked international outrage at home and abroad. Afghan President Hamid Karzai calls it "completely inhumane." Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta stated that it was "entirely inappropriate for members of the United States military" and voiwed to hold accountable those responsible. The Navel Crime Investigation Service (NCIS) is currently conducting an investigation into the matter.
Personally, it doesn't matter whether or not it is authentic. While a fake video would provide a modicum of relief and take heat from the Marines, perception is bigger than reality. The perception of our own troops abusing the Afghan people and disrespecting them even in death is more than enough of an excuse the Taliban needs to kill our troops and plot terrorist attacks against our civilians. Sure, it may feel good to get payback against the guys who terrorized Americans and Europeans alike over the past ten years, but it is socially and politically important that we look better than them when we kill them so WE come off as the good guy.
Honor and class matters just as much in war as it does in peace. It is a shame that more Americans will end up getting killed over this incident being taught that lesson the HARD way.
Here is the link to the video: YouTube - Marines Piss on Dead Taliban