Soldier pleads guilty in Iraq rape and killings

[voivod]

FORT CAMPBELL, Kentucky (AP) -- One of four U.S. soldiers accused of raping and killing a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and killing her family, pleaded guilty Wednesday in a Kentucky military court.

Spc. James P. Barker also agreed to testify against the others charged, a plea deal that helps him avoid the death penalty, his attorney David Sheldon said.

The military judge presiding over the case, Lt. Col. Richard Anderson, asked Barker why he participated in the attack in Mahmoudiya, a village about 20 miles south of Baghdad.

The crime was among the worst in a series of alleged attacks and abuses by military personnel on Iraqi civilians.

"I hated Iraqis, your honor," Barker said in court. "They can smile at you, then shoot you in your face without even thinking about it."

Anderson accepted the plea agreement, which calls for Barker to serve at least life in prison.

The judge will decide in a hearing Thursday whether Barker should be allowed to seek parole.

Sgt. Paul E. Cortez, 24, and Pfc. Jesse V. Spielman, 22, members of the 101st Airborne Division with Barker, are also charged in the case.

Cortez deferred entering a plea at his arraignment Wednesday morning.

Spielman will be arraigned in December.

The fourth soldier, Pfc. Bryan L. Howard, 19, also deferred entering a plea at his arraignment in October.

The fifth defendant, former Army private Steve Green, 21, pleaded not guilty last week to civilian charges including murder and sexual assault.

Green was discharged from the Army for a "personality disorder" before the allegations were known. Prosecutors have not announced if they will pursue the death penalty against him.

The group is accused of raping the girl and burning her body to conceal their crimes, then killing the girl's father, mother and six-year-old sister. After entering his plea Wednesday, Barker gave the court a vivid account of the events.

Barker said he and the others were drinking and playing cards while they manned a traffic checkpoint.

Green brought up the idea of raping the girl and killing her family, he said.

"He brought it up to me and asked me what I thought about it. At a couple of points, I told him he was crazy," Barker said.

Barker said he and Green then approached the others with the idea, but there never was a verbal agreement to do it.

"Things just got set in motion, we just started changing (clothes), myself, Cortez and Green," Barker said. "By the time we started changing clothes, it was more or less a nonverbal agreement that we were going to go along with what we were discussing."

Barker said he, Green and Cortez raped the girl, and Green killed the girl, her parents and her sister.

Barker did not name Spielman and Howard as participants in the rape and slayings, though he said they were at the house when the assault occurred and had come knowing what the others intended to do.

Under military law, soldiers who are present when a crime is committed can be charged with that crime even if they did not play an active role.

Cortez, who could face the death penalty if convicted, and Howard watched from the audience as Barker described the assault.

[RRMB]

I'm thinking that there are a lot of RightWing political pundits and politicians owning The Honorable Senator Jack Murtha an apology at this point.

Murtha, a combat decorated Former Marine, was the first Senator, or any Congressional member to mention these types of war crimes publicly, while the press sat on their hands. Everyone in the Bush camp called him crazy, a communist, a traitorous un-american windbag, etc.

Seems that ol Uncle Jack was right all along.

My brother told me that these are small fry deals compared to what M.I., the CIA, British Intel are doing. Once again, the ground level grunts get nailed for it, while the sacred cows they see doing it too, get away with it.

[ZORBA5150]

I'm thinking that there are a lot of RightWing political pundits and politicians owning The Honorable Senator Jack Murtha an apology at this point.

Murtha, a combat decorated Former Marine, was the first Senator, or any Congressional member to mention these types of war crimes publicly, while the press sat on their hands. Everyone in the Bush camp called him crazy, a communist, a traitorous un-american windbag, etc.

Seems that ol Uncle Jack was right all along.

My brother told me that these are small fry deals compared to what M.I., the CIA, British Intel are doing. Once again, the ground level grunts get nailed for it, while the sacred cows they see doing it too, get away with it.

Murtha implied that our whole military is like this and that it's Bush's fault. That's why he got slammed

[godisEd]

Jack Murtha is a piece of shit, plain and simple. Anyone who would attempt to make political points on the backs of our military, especially by calling them nazis and murderers, isn't worthy of being pissed on. In my opinion, he and several other leading Democrats, Dick Durbin in particular, are guilty of sedition and should be shat upon at every opportunity.

[ZORBA5150]

And don't forget Ted Kennedy, the worst of all of them, "Saddam's torture chambers are open for business again, just under new management."

[willy4pres]

Red, still trying to pretend you have a brother in the Marine Corps (Warrant Officer I believe)?

Your an ass.

[vanzefflin]

Red, still trying to pretend you have a brother in the Marine Corps (Warrant Officer I believe)?

Your an ass.

And Murtha is his uncle

[Axxman300]

This guy should never have been in the Army in the first place, his recruiter ignored a bunch of stuff.

If I was Squad leader of these fuckwads I would have shot them all and then offed myself for failing to lead these men and instill basic professionalism in them. These pieces of shit were manning a check-point when they pulled this stunt, that means that their fellow soldiers were vulnerable to attack because they decided go all Manson Family, that left the guys on the side of the road alone. Even if they hadn't raped the girl and had gone to get a sandwich I still would have shot those dudes just for leaving their buddies without backup. From here on out, every time Iraqis see that Screamin' Eagle patch they'll automatically assume the guy wearing it is a rapist and murderer.

Honestly, these guys need to be hung on the Parade Grounds at Ft Campbell in front of the entire division. If real men were still running the Army, they would be.

[Wray]

Murtha implied that our whole military is like this and that it's Bush's fault. That's why he got slammed

But that would just be too simple to understand.

The public isn't stupid... well, to a point, anyway. Everyone knows things like this happen, but to to imply that it's common practice among the American military is ridiculous.

While we're at it, maybe we should give all of us stupid grunts an IQ test. Then when one guy gets a lower than average score, we'll all have to apologize to John Kerry.

[Viking]

But that would just be too simple to understand.

The public isn't stupid... well, to a point, anyway. Everyone knows things like this happen, but to to imply that it's common practice among the American military is ridiculous.

While we're at it, maybe we should give all of us stupid grunts an IQ test. Then when one guy gets a lower than average score, we'll all have to apologize to John Kerry.

Excellent post Wray!

[RRMB]

Red, still trying to pretend you have a brother in the Marine Corps (Warrant Officer I believe)?

Your an ass.

Still trying to pretend you don't know what the fuck you're talking about....wait; you don't know what you're talking about.

SCOTT M. MILES XXXX CWO2 4TH FSSG

If I may...This was the promotion he got in June '05. It was the only one I could find, considering the hour it is. He was just recently promoted to CWO3 and is 2nd in command, behind the unti's Captain, who has nearly 15 years less service than he does.

I'll leave out all the extranious bullshit of who else was promoted, because it's a long list, but here's the link if you want to follow it yourself


http://www.military.com/MilitaryCare...052505,00.html



Matter of fact, I just hung out with my brother and his family at the Marine Corps Ball here in the Quad Cities. He had a couple extra ticket/invites, so he asked if I wanted to go with. I did, and I took my daughter so she could see her uncle and his "boys and girls" do all the pomp and circumstance associated with it. She was quite in awe of it all...and I'd forgotten how good it was too.

I sat around and talked to the "Old Timers" and a few of the newer breed; and in a situation like that, as you very well know...after the alcohol flows...wait, ummm...runs like a river out of control, the lips and inhibitions begin to loosen up. At least HALF of the "Crusty Dogs" and about nearly as many of the "pups" agreed, to an extent, with Murtha. That there is A LOT of this kind of shit going on over there, just that 9/10 of it never hits the local news because, it's dealt with either in theater or back at Pendleton.

The older Marines, (from WW2, Korea) said it was an issue more so in towns with no resistance, the women thought if they slept with a Marine, Soldier, Seaman, Airman, etc. it was their ticket to America. They said that 99% of the sex was consentual, until the guy told the "Betty" about his wife and kids back home; then it became an issue.

The 'Nam guys said that, they were either sold the shit by the pimp, usually the brother or oldest male in the family...or the guys "found it elsewhere."

The 1st Gulf War vets said that the girls were all WAY more than willing, it was just being able to find a good hiding spot. Especially in Kuwait, where the women were scared shitless because what they endured or saw under Saddam's (*choking back barf*) Elite Rep. Guard. and getting caught dishonoring their family and religion. The Kuwaiti girls of 18-24, if they were single, considered it the best gift they could give their family. Just the illusion of safety and sense of security.

They, and others from GW-II went on to say that in the beginning of GW-II, after the really heavy shit died down for a couple weeks, and they started to hire locals to work in the bases, it was used to "secure jobs, protection for their families, and extra food rations."

All the Devil Dogs agreed, that this kind of shit has happended in everywar, from the very first one back at the biggining of history, til now, and will most likey continue in the next one. There's a "rape, pilage, plunder" bravado that some, not all, but some of the "victors" take upon themselves. "We've liberated you; now you owe us."

For the most part, it's only been a "handful of Marines." But, as a Retired SgtMaj, Vietnam Navy Cross, double Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient said..."that handful, WILL make it look like it's entire Corps, because of how tightknit the Corps is, what a handful does, reflects on the rest of us."

[Wray]

At least HALF of the "Crusty Dogs" and about nearly as many of the "pups" agreed, to an extent, with Murtha. That there is A LOT of this kind of shit going on over there, just that 9/10 of it never hits the local news because, it's dealt with either in theater or back at Pendleton.

That's funny. I don't see that attitude at all, and I just happen to live with just a few of the "pups."

Oh, and I happen to be one, too.

[willy4pres]

Still trying to pretend you don't know what the fuck you're talking about....wait; you don't know what you're talking about.

SCOTT M. MILES XXXX CWO2 4TH FSSG

If I may...This was the promotion he got in June '05. It was the only one I could find, considering the hour it is. He was just recently promoted to CWO3 and is 2nd in command, behind the unti's Captain, who has nearly 15 years less service than he does.

I'll leave out all the extranious bullshit of who else was promoted, because it's a long list, but here's the link if you want to follow it yourself


http://www.military.com/MilitaryCare...052505,00.html



Matter of fact, I just hung out with my brother and his family at the Marine Corps Ball here in the Quad Cities. He had a couple extra ticket/invites, so he asked if I wanted to go with. I did, and I took my daughter so she could see her uncle and his "boys and girls" do all the pomp and circumstance associated with it. She was quite in awe of it all...and I'd forgotten how good it was too.

I sat around and talked to the "Old Timers" and a few of the newer breed; and in a situation like that, as you very well know...after the alcohol flows...wait, ummm...runs like a river out of control, the lips and inhibitions begin to loosen up. At least HALF of the "Crusty Dogs" and about nearly as many of the "pups" agreed, to an extent, with Murtha. That there is A LOT of this kind of shit going on over there, just that 9/10 of it never hits the local news because, it's dealt with either in theater or back at Pendleton.

The older Marines, (from WW2, Korea) said it was an issue more so in towns with no resistance, the women thought if they slept with a Marine, Soldier, Seaman, Airman, etc. it was their ticket to America. They said that 99% of the sex was consentual, until the guy told the "Betty" about his wife and kids back home; then it became an issue.

The 'Nam guys said that, they were either sold the shit by the pimp, usually the brother or oldest male in the family...or the guys "found it elsewhere."

The 1st Gulf War vets said that the girls were all WAY more than willing, it was just being able to find a good hiding spot. Especially in Kuwait, where the women were scared shitless because what they endured or saw under Saddam's (*choking back barf*) Elite Rep. Guard. and getting caught dishonoring their family and religion. The Kuwaiti girls of 18-24, if they were single, considered it the best gift they could give their family. Just the illusion of safety and sense of security.

They, and others from GW-II went on to say that in the beginning of GW-II, after the really heavy shit died down for a couple weeks, and they started to hire locals to work in the bases, it was used to "secure jobs, protection for their families, and extra food rations."

All the Devil Dogs agreed, that this kind of shit has happended in everywar, from the very first one back at the biggining of history, til now, and will most likey continue in the next one. There's a "rape, pilage, plunder" bravado that some, not all, but some of the "victors" take upon themselves. "We've liberated you; now you owe us."

For the most part, it's only been a "handful of Marines." But, as a Retired SgtMaj, Vietnam Navy Cross, double Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient said..."that handful, WILL make it look like it's entire Corps, because of how tightknit the Corps is, what a handful does, reflects on the rest of us."

Red, your should be ashamed of yourself. I spent over 14 years in the Marine Corps, I worked with veterans of every conflict since Vietnam. I have personally been involved in four different real world situations. I have never heard anything like what you are talking about. You disgust me. Why make up shit like this? If you are related to someone in the Marine Corps im sure they would love to know what your saying about them, and now that you gave me a name I think I will call him to make sure he's aware.

Also, I checked every single MARADMIN in 2005 and 2006. That Scott Miles person has not been promoted again. Also, he's part of the 4th FSSG, how would he know anything about the shit you have been saying?!

[willy4pres]

That's funny. I don't see that attitude at all, and I just happen to live with just a few of the "pups."

Oh, and I happen to be one, too.

Hey Wray, do you have a .mil e-mail address? If you do can you check the global address list and give me CWO2 Scott M. Miles work number or e-mail address? It should be on there. Im going to call this guy to see what's up, either way im sure he wants to know what he's been saying.

If you don't feel comfortable I can just PM you my cell number, you could e-mail the Warrant Officer and ask him to give me a call.

Thanks,

Chris

[RRMB]

It's simple willy, he's been to Iraq TWICE!!! Now don't misunderstand, he doesn't believe in the "Cut & Run" philosophy...at this point, neither do I. After listening the other night, everyone knows, as do I, that we started this and now we have to finish it. A lot of them are also aware of the fact, now...that Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. That's why a lot of them are saying this kind of stuff. He also knows that the only way that we're going to accomplish anything there is to add more troops, to get the Iraqi's trained, then get out.

The problem is, everyone is seeing the Iraqi's don't want to fight for this. They, like most of the South Vietnamese forces, run from the fight or turn on our forces the minute there's trouble. There's too much tribal division and animosity.

What these soldiers did and in another case, some Marines did, is irreprehensible. But at the same time, it IS happening MORE than what gets in to the media. My brother has shown me pictures of our guys doing things that we say we're NOT doing. I am a HUGE backer of the troops. But that doesn't mean I have to go in lock step with what Dickhead Rumsfeld, Bush and Cheney are telling us. All you have to do is remove your head from the Fox News ass, stop taking what Hannity, North and O' Reilly are saying as gospel and start reading other sources for news. For the love of all things Holy, do you really believe that things are progressing nicely over there?? What are we up to for this months body count...it's well over 60 for this month, well over 80 for last month.

Get the troops away from base and in an environment they feel comfortable in and they start talking. There is absolutely no direction over there, disipline is lacking severely, morale is low because units and troops are being over-extended, deployments exceeding the year-long agreements. Oh yeah, did you know that Congress passed a law after Korea that states, paraphrasing here, war deployments aren't allowed to be more than a year long in a war zone? They enacted it because of the severe mental trauma and stress that soldiers were experiencing from over-extended time in combat situations. In an effort to curb this type of behavior. You've got troops that are so fried and warn down that this type of shit is going to happen.

When Senator Murtha mentioned this stuff in the Senate, he was blasted against as an enemy of the troops. Go back and look at his voting record. It is CONSTANTLY in support of more money for the troops, CONSTANTLY is support of more resources for the troops. Murtha has THE BEST record concerning military issues. He has all kinds of military personnel coming to him, telling him how shitty things are over there. THAT'S why he brought it up and said what he did. It was first hand reports he was getting from boots on the ground. But then all the right wing, pro-war assholes started blasting him.

I'm not saying there isn't good stuff happening over there; but the bad is far outweighing the good. Then these kinds of crimes start to surface, Senators start asking questions, they get answers they don't like and they bring it to light. Suddenly, they're anti-troop because they want answers from the men in charge.

Just this week, General Abizad said that we don't need more troops, don't need less, that what we have is juuuuuust right. But you talk to the guys in the combat zone, they're screaming for relief and more help?!?! Who do we believe?!?! Then people wonder how our troops can commit such senseless crimes against humanity.

I'll admit, and my brother told me that these guys that did this are wired wrong in the first place, and the fact that they got by the psych evals shows that they are either really good liars or the psych evals need to be examined and adjusted. Plus throw in the fact that a lot of guys joining are thugs in the first place, they can repress that mentality, UNTIL they're put under stress, then the carnal, primitive side comes out and we have the rapes and murders.

Oh and the fact that you want to call and cry to my brother about this shows that you're afraid of people with an opinion different to yours. "I wonder if he knows what you're saying"...wha, wha, wha. It also shows that you are a coward and can't deal with me one on one.

Let me ask you this willy and wray??? Have you been to Iraq? Were you ACTUALLY in combat or were you tucked safely away, behind the Green Zone? The people that think things are going along swimmingly over there, are people that haven't set foot in combat. The stuff I talk about is coming directly from people that have been in combat, been in a convoy attacked by insurgents, had IED's going off near them. My brother told me that these IED's aren't as improvised as the media would have you believe. He was in a convoy that was attacked by one. He said the concussion of these things are soooo strong that even a block away, you get the wind knocked out of you.

If you TRULY believed in your mission and the fact that you are defending the rights and freedoms of Americans; that would mean you have to accept that people don't always share the same view as you...but that's just typical of most people screaming that people who don't, and never did, believe invading Iraq was right, are anti-American. Why are you SO afraid of people speaking out after hearing from troops about how bad of a direction this is going in? If it were one or two people saying bad things, I'd take it with a grain of salt...but it's not.

Oh...and let me clue you in on something MOST people that are familiar with The Bill of Rights and Constitution AUTOMATICALLY know. Dissention is not only a good thing, but it's neccesary to ensure that a democracy DOESN'T turn in to a theocratic dictatorship.