Sir, The photograph accompanying your report (later editions, June 1) of alleged crimes by US Marines serving in Iraq in fact showed the bodies of fishermen and National Guardsmen killed by Iraqi insurgents in May 2005.

I am a former journalist with a degree in journalism as well as a US Marine Corps Officer still actively serving in the reserves. I was deployed in Afghanistan as a squadron commander for a reserve CH-53E helicopter squadron for seven months in 2004. I also served in the Gulf War in 1991.

I have got used to our American media pouncing on every little transgression by US Forces while ignoring the legions of tales of good and noble deeds performed by US and coalition forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I would expect a little better from The Times than jumping eagerly on the “pound the negative news” public bandwagon. This sort of thing is akin to the evening news only focusing on the few bad things that happen in Los Angeles or London and ignoring the millions of good news items of the day.

The problem is that in this war the stakes are much higher than the local evening news. I am sure that you are aware that it is the enemy’s objective not to defeat us on the battlefield but to defeat our national will to prevail. That battle is fought in the living rooms of America and England and the medium used is the TV news and newspapers. The enemy is not stupid. As on 9/11, they plan to use our “systems” against us, the news media being the most important “system” in their pursuit to break our national will.

The enemy cannot defeat us on the battlefield. But we can do his work for him and defeat ourselves. The news media has a responsibility for accuracy and responsibility. It should not be taken lightly. How freely do you think journalists could operate in a world dominated by Islamic jihadists? The stakes are big.

As a marine officer with 22 years in the corps, here is my commentary on the recent allegations involving Marines: Let us see what the final investigation reveals. If culpability is assigned, punishment will be forthcoming. Until then, these fellow marines get the benefit of the doubt. I can assure you, as a former commander in Operation Enduring Freedom, that this type of (alleged) behaviour is neither taught nor condoned. It is also not typical of these wonderful young men and women who serve far from home in harm’s way to bring freedom and opportunity to millions who have known only oppression. Until the investigation is complete, let us focus on the importance of the overall mission. When the results come out, let’s deal with it one way or another and move on. I hope The Times resists the temptation to do the enemy’s bidding. Report the facts, good and bad, but don’t throw fuel on the fire.

The situation is difficult enough for those who serve in harm’s way.

RICK MULLEN
California

Explore Letters

• Feedback