The Tradition of Murder

Major General William Caldwell said in an interview with John Humphries on the BBC's Today Programme this morning that the Bush 'surge' had been successful so far in Baghdad. He cited as part of his justification that there had been a decrease in the number of 'traditional murders and executions'. If Major General Caldwell were not a thoughtful man, which he is, this could be put down to yet another crass remark by another US Military bonehead. However, when an intelligent soldier appears to think that there is a traditional dimension to the murders and executions, this could mean he thinks it is part of the culture. Murders and executions in Baghdad were never 'traditional' even under Saddam. Major General Caldwell will be aware, as are the citizens of Baghdad, that they have become routine and part of the landscape in the last fours years since he and his comrades arrived to destroy the fabric of the country.