Publication of rules of engagement endangers troops

NY Times:

American military forces in Iraq were authorized to pursue former members of Saddam Hussein's government and terrorists across Iraq's borders into Iran and Syria, according to a classified 2005 document that has been posted on an independent Web site.

The document, which was made public by the organization Wikileaks and which American officials said appeared authentic, outlined the rules of engagement for the American division that was based in Baghdad and central Iraq that year.

Wikileaks said its goal in disclosing secret documents was to reveal "unethical behavior" by governments and corporations.

The American military command in Baghdad on Sunday sharply criticized the group's decision to post the document.

"While we will not comment on whether this is, in fact, an official document, we do consider the deliberate release of what Wikileaks believes to be a classified document is irresponsible and, if valid, could put U.S. military personnel at risk," said Rear Adm. Gregory J. Smith, a spokesman for the command.

Rules of engagement in Iraq, which cover the procedures for using force on a battlefield in which insurgents and terrorists mix with civilians, have long been considered highly classified. The American military's concern is that adversaries will be able to adjust their tactics if they know the rules that describe the specific circumstances in which force may and may not be used.

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That is probably the objective of those who published this document. The desperate for defeat in this country are willing to do anything to achieve their objectives and this is one of the more despicable things they have done. The justice department should open a case and look into prosecuting this conduct.