I take it Mr Burnett that you have not had a loved one killed by us. if you did then you would understand! Open your eyes, America isn't the all singing all dancing country that you think it is. I have lost a loved one in Iraq so I know how it feels, you need to start showing alot more respect and compassion for these families that are left grieving as a direct result of American negligence.

sarah, devon,

Robert Burnett, the idea of Pax Americana is a fair reflection of US foreign policy being unashamedly as imperialistic as that of the Roman empire. However, I have to ask - what peace is the world enjoying as a result of US hegemony?!

Steve Aston, Basingstoke,

Michael O'Neil,
and next time US needs oil, it should pay for it, not invading another country...

Nicolas, Holland,

Reading the comments from what would seem to be a more or less random sampling of Britons (This is The Times not the Guardian.) I can only conclude that the anti-American sentiment in Britain is so deep, widespread, and almost rabid that we should all just accept that the Anglo-American alliance is ending. We appreciate the valour and contributions of British forces and I am sure that American soldiers value their lives equally with those of GI's. I understand that serious wounded British soldiers prefer to be in American military hospitals than be sent to the NHS. I'm sure our doctors treat them with the same care they give our men. Anyway, we can still get along well without being allies, after all we both get on By the way, the US is willing to share information, including classified information, with the British military but is not willing to abet the kind of anti-American circus showcased by the Oxfordshire coroner.

Mark, Washington DC, USA

I am disappointed that the US isn't cooperating fully with the investigation. The Brits have been our one staunch ally through it all. They deserve better than this!

Matt, Evansville, IN, USA

Materials will no longer be handed to civilian authorities, only to military authorities this will curb possible prosecution for war crimes in the future.

ed little, Pittsburgh , USA

The U.S. will cooperate with the inquest into this tragic affair by providing classified and unclassified information to the MOD as well as unclassified evidence to the coroner. What the U.S. will not do is require its military personnel to attend in person to serve as witnesses. I cannot speak for the U.S. Department of Defense but I suspect that our authorities fear the legal precedent that would be set by requiring our military personnel to participate in this inquest. Allowing that to happen could lead to the expectation around the world that the U.S. will require its military personnel to appear in court in other countries as a matter of course. Some such situations might amount to little more than show trials. The rationale for this policy can be found in the Status of Forces Agreement from 1951 governing the legal jurisdictions of the armed forces and host counties of NATO nations.

Pete, Gerrardstown, WV, USA

Once again, the violent Oppressor, from 'The home of the Brave' chooses to walk over who ever may stand in its way - even if they are on the same side!
I think I'd rather side with Al Qaeda than have to associate myself with these heathens any longer. At least they (Al Qaeda) have a cause and are not simply led by some despot President trying stay in power!

Sean, London,

What more needs to be said-this is why the average American detests the modern UK. Don't worry Sean, soon enough you will experience the foolishness of your wishes! I only hope it is sooner rather than later!

Mark Mercer, Columbus Ohio , USA

Michael O' Neil...To put the record straight..the Harrier..finest jump-jet in the world..so good even you guys bought them has actually 2x30 mm Aden Cannons. The Tornado bomber is also the best in its field..designed to fly fast and low. Brave RAF bomber crews died in the first Gulf War attacking Iraqi airfields because of the same reason. Quite agree that the Jaguar should never have been retired, we wouldn't have had cause to call on you guys. Personally I think the majority of USAF personnel are very good and I feel for the American pilot who killed the British troops.... As far as justice dispensed is concerned, it's what made Britain Great and gave it a United Kingdom. It's the same reason why people flock to our shores to experience and become a part of one of the worlds favourite democracies. Try not to go back to your Irish roots, you're now an American, don't live in the past. Be proud of what you are but look to the future.

kirk, Rotherham, UK

Cash, if Israel were to attack the Palestinians, would the US defend them? Did the US defend Grenada?

Take your blinkers off! You might see the world for what it is. The only threat to the world is the one the US creates for its own purpose. Hitler did the same but the rest of the world saw through that too.

paul hill, London,

Being Italian I perfectly understand the anger of English people about the death of their soldiers. Having many US bases in our country we know how americans treat others. The slaughter of Cermis, when an american pilot killed 20 europeans in a cableway. Or the kill of Nicola Calipari, being hit by a US soldier who tryied to kill an italian journalist (who got in a forbidden zone taking photo). And these are just a few examples. After 9/11 many country gave support to the US in the endless-war on "terror". But the bush behaviour is leading to the isolation for the americans. A very stupid choise. But being the US such a rogue nation, other country should leave them completly alone.

Marco, Venice, Italy

Why didn't the Brits call in their own aerial support if they can do things better? Too poor to pay for your defense, ummm? Also, why the need for a coroner's report? Aren't bullet holes good enough evidence as the cause of death?. Isn't American admission good enough to know it was caused in the fog of war?

Americans do not and will not station forces abroad unless the host country signs a forces agreement that protects Americans from show trials that leftwingers would love to put on.. We also don't belong to the UN Criminal Court of Justice for the same reason. American servicemen report to an American chain of command and that's just the way it is unless rights are waived voluntarily.

Such carping at the very people who provide the Pax America you enjoy and prosper under. You have never had it so good since Americans have been running things. If you don't like the way Americans act, get out of NATO and defend yourselves. It's not our fault you became the poodle.

Robert Burnett, las Vegas, Nevada u

Under George Bush, the US has been a rogue nation that does not feel international law applies to it.

The US has renounced existing treaties, and refused to sign new treaties, such as new versions of the Geneva Conventions and for the ICJ and ICC.

I see no reason to risk our soldiers' lives to come to the aid of such a rogue nation.

expat UK

Keith Terrence, Winnipeg, Canada

To Paul of Bournemouth,

"more 'defence' spending than everyone else in the World put together? I guess you must have a lot of defending to do."

Yes Paul, you're absolutely correct. But the US does not only defend America, it also defends EVERY small democracy on Earth (with help from your country in some cases). If China were to attack Taiwan tomorrow, who would help Taiwan? If Syria or Iran were to attack Israel tomorrow, who would help Israel? If North Korea were to attack South Korea, who would help S. Korea? If Russia were to attack Poland or any of the other former Soviet sattelites that are now fledgling democracies, who would step in to help? America, America, America, and umm... America. On top of that, the US steps in to stop genocides every now and then, such as the Kosovo conflict (with the help of your country, again). So please don't criticize the US for its large defense spending; a lot of that money is used to defend much more than just America.

Cash, Dayton, USA

eoin, there's no anti-irish sentiment. there is however, one chippy irish-american with somewhat anti-english sentiments. my comment lumping him in with those who fostered terrorism in our country, corruption in their own neighbourhoods or dunken violence in their own homes should probably be seen in that context. silly, but no sillier than the argument he was using. if you take the comment bob made about blinkered irish bigotry as being anti-irish, then you'd be anti-english simply for pointing it out. which would also be silly. it's not a problem for us that michael has irish roots, but it would appear to be a problem for him.

this is not an issue of nationality, but of fairness. and in our view justice demands people tell the truth about what they have done and be accountable for it. we expect the same from our own military.

jem, london, uk

The U.S. will cooperate with this inquest by providing classified and unclassified information to the MOD and unclassified evidence to the coroner. What the U.S. will not do is require its military personnel to attend in person to serve as witnesses.

I cannot speak officially or otherwise for the U.S. Department of Defense. However, I suspect that our authorities do not fear this particular inquest but rather the legal precedent that would be set by requiring our military personnel to be participants. Allowing that to happen would lead to the expectation around the world that the U.S. will require its military personnel to appear in court in other countries as a matter of routine. Some such situations might amount to little more than show trials. The rationale for this policy can be found in the Status of Forces Agreement from 1951 governing the legal jurisdictions of the armed forces and host counties of NATO nations.

Pete Eisen, Gerrardstown, WV, USA

You in the UK will have to do something about this. Americans never will.

Our government-controlled media (yes it is) presents an incident like this as an unfortunate accident and then lets the matter drop--forgotten & buried beneath hundreds of new soundbites that give equal weight to a story like this and news that Britney gets drunk.

Any American who dares question his government is labeled unpatriotic. And, especially since 9/11, to be labeled unpatriotic is worse than being labeled a gay, anti-Semitic, homophobic pedophile. The social pressures used to silence dissent are tremendous. And when they are insufficient, the civil authorities step in. They know very well how to crush dissent (usually quite gently).

So, all you Brits, get doing something. Moaning and calling us names won't change a thing. If you act on this, you'll be considered patriotic. It's easy for you. So do something. Something so powerful that it cannot be ignored. On either side of the Atlantic.

Pete Black, Idyllwild, CA, USA

What have the Americans got to hide? By displaying contempt for the British legal system the message is given that they really do not care.
For many years there have been serious concerns about the calibre of pilots in the US Air Force. It is well known that drugs and alcohol are very serious problems that senior officers turn a blind eye to. When Corporal Matthew Hull was killed on a clear day with no enemy vehicles for miles it was thought that the pilots were either incompetent or had had too much to drink.
Only an inquiry or a court martial would discover the facts and the Pentagon do not wish to be humiliated.

Ben Simmonds, Miami, USA

I am very surprised by Mr O'Neil's comments given that he is a serving officer. Surely the families of any servicemen killed on active service should be allowed the information relating to how they were killed, especially in friendly fire incidents? The intention is to establish cause of death, not to apportion blame.

It is irrelevant what country they come from if they are allies. The information should be made available.

Alan, Birmingham, England

The sooner we get all our troops home the better. And we all thought that Brown would be different to Blair!! Interesting that neither Brown nor Bush have been seen on TV commenting on this weeks deaths. But Brown was on TV within hours of Rhys Jones death in Liverpool, talking about catching the killers and heinous crimes etc. Deaths of soldiers don't seem to be in the same category it seems - doesn't he want to catch those killers aswell?

Adrian Wilkinson, Comepta, Malaga, Spain

the word "justice" in English comes from the old French language , derived from Latin "justitia" which has the same meaning and "justus" , the term appears in the 12th century . Latin suffix "ice" is widely used in French , most English words with this suffix and others (like -ic , -ism , -al , -ade , -ome etc.. ) are derived from Latin , French or Greek (-phone , -phil , -log etc.. ) It would indeed be an important gesture from the US governement , to make it easier for the families in mourning to know what happened to their sons . I want to express my sincere condoleances to the families for these 3 British kids , it is a terrible moment to live , it's already a tragedy to lose a boy so young , they deserve to know the truth and get a good support from the UK state .

Yanis, Paris,

The Americans seem to think that we wish t o put their service people on trial in the UK. That is NOT the case and never could be. These incidents occurred overseas, not on UK soil, so British courts have no jurisdiction over any foreign nationals involved. ONLY the American military can decide if any charges should be brought against them.

The UK is simply asking that these people come and give evidence in a British court which is obliged to determine the legal cause of death of UK citizens. Even if the verdict was 'Unlawful killing ', the Americans (or any other foreign national for that matter) would be able to return home with impunity. Is that too much to ask?

Tony Jones, Grantham, Lincs

Well done Labour you signed an act that means we MUST without question extradite any UK suspect the US wants to put on trial. Yet when the Americans Kill our troops, yet again, we can look forward to no such special relationship from them. Shame on you Brown. Go back to Scotland

Adrian, Aldershot, England

Michael O'Neil...Can I point out the at the Harrier is NOT cannon-less. it carried 2 x 30mm Adens..(it's an excellent aircraft or you lot wouldn't have bought it)...As far as the Tornado bomber is concerned it's still probably the best in its field as a fast, low flying delivery of munitions...typically in broad daylight as well. From reading these blogs its sad to find that all sides are berating each other. The Taleban must love it... We support you as I hope you support us. No, doubt your AirForce have save a lot of British soldiers lives...Find it funny as well though that you want to be known as Irish-American. Be proud of your roots by all means...But you are wholly American. Its probably the same reason why we have trouble with a minority of 2nd / 3rd generation Asians ..because they still believe that they hold an alliance to the 'old' country.

kirk, Rotherham, UK

'Friendly fire' can at once be truly friendly and kill you.

Air support is often desperately necessary in close combat, in conditions all too common in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the most accurately targetted and delivered weapon cannot assist our troops without endangering them. Casualties in such circumstances are nobody's fault, and certainly should not be blamed on the airmen. Llike those inflicted by the enemy they are an inseperable part of war, of an activity we should initiate only after balancing the possible gains against the certain cost in lives and treasure.

Noel Falconer, COUIZA, France

They are so arrogant. Why do we not just refuse all co-operation in retaliation?

Martin, Hereford, England

Once again our 'gung ho' compatriates have caused the deaths of British troops by their resolute 'fire first and think afterwards' policy.
It's time to remember that we are a small nation with limited resources and manpower.
Furthermore this is not a case of rebuilding Iraq or solving problems in Afghanistan. We are engaged in a war and we cannot afford to carry on.
The United Nations stands back and does nothing to resolve this problem and our so called friends of the European Union happily sit back with hands held firmly behind their backs.
Leave now - we have sacrificed enough. As an alternative send our politicians to the front line, instead of swanning off to exotic locations on so called study tours.
They'll only realise the horror and futility of it all if they are exposed to it.

trevorjd, Torbay, UK

You must remember that american's do not value non-american lives very highly. A few years ago an american pilot killed about 30 Italians when he flew too low and cut the cable of the cable-car they were in. The american air force's response was to get the culprit out of Italy ASAP, refuse to cocperate with the Italian authorities and give the pilot responsible a slap on the wrist for destroying the evidence.

And in response to Michael O'Neil's brainless comments; you cannot compare the actions of the present with the actions of a long ago era when completely different moral and ethical codes were in place. For example, Oliver Cromwell was without doubt a ruthless and murderous character, but he was far from unique for the times he lved in. Likewise the brutality meted out to the native americans during the european conquest was pretty grisly, but those were the times. You can only compare apples with apples. What are doing in Afghanistan anyway? It is a futile war.

Nick, York, UK

Well having spent the weekend with a bunch of former soliders who all unequivocally state how useless the Americans are in war. Go in with all guns blazing - and now they are showing that they are also invunerable from the law. Interesting how we, as British, are allowing our bankers to be prosecuted in the US whilst we can't get warmongers prosecuted for the illegal assassination of our soliders. I say review the relationship and redress the balance so the power comes back to Britain!..... we have, for far too long, endured a take take relationship from the US - time we got something back - LETS START WITH THE JUSTICE!!!

Londonman, London,

Maybe this 'Irish American' (and what is that - joint nationality or something?) Officer might like to address the real issue, which is this. Do Americans believe that they should withhold such information from their 'closest ally' (which is Britain, not Ireland)? And would Americans be happy to see reciprocity?
Frankly it's clear that many Americans have no idea at all as to how they are perceived in the UK, nor do they care in the slightest. So why should we continue to support them in their foolhardy adventures in the Middle East? What is the benefit to us?
This refusal is yet another slap in the face for the Britain from an uncaring and self-interested nation who know little of us and our people. Well, we'll be out of Basra soon - not a second too early in my view. Then we should withdraw from all further activity in Afghanistan.
Many Americans seem to believe that their military support for their allies, in a war solely initiated by them, is conditional. How crass.

Chuck Unsworth, London,

Whilst not connected, I find it interesting that the US was able to force the Natwest 3 to go to the US to face trial, sometime in the future albeit for a white collar crime. The same appears to be happening with those at the top of British Airways and the price fixing arrangements. However, when it comes to fronting up to the deaths of UK servicemen, the US consistently ignores UK coroners' requests for attendance to give evidence. Special relationship? Yeah right.

Peter, Brisbane, Australia

I can't believe Mr. O'Neil has brought up such jaded, tainted and racist sentiments. This article was discussing honouring the deaths with the justice and dignity that any human deserves (British, Irish, American, Iraqi...). What a petty, mean and limited perspective you have. Your kind of gung-ho warped patriotism makes it truly frightening that someone who should have known better put a gun in your hands. Can you imagine how offensive your diatrible sounds to the families of those killed? It's as twisted as telling the relatives of 9/11 victims that their deaths don't matter against the larger actions commited by America.

Silly, silly man.

Martyn Fitzgerald, London, UK

Just another example of how the US treats other citizens of the world differently to how they expect Americans to be treated. Double standards? For sure.

Farrukh, Woking, UK

Reading this again, with the lack of any "duty of care" that the Americans have for the Iraqi people in bombing any unidentified vehicles in a battle zone, is it any surprise that the Iraqis are so keen to get these unlawful invaders and murderers out of their country. Why on earth did Blair get us involved with these people.

Andy, Bristol, England

Fair enough! If our infantry come under attack - from whoever - they should shoot missiles back. If it brings down a US aircraft, then that would be 'unfortunate', and no, they will not attend any subsequent US investigation.

Please bring back US isolationism - at the moment it is like giving an american teenager a loaded gun and a passport.

Jonathan Mills, Brighton,

Yet another nail in the coffin of American credibility.

Joe, London, UK

Michael O'Neil, Atlantic City puts it in the usual American 'friendly' way, the Americans are doing us all a favour, they don't actually need the Britsh on the ground, they can do it all themselves...Let them!
On a similar vein, they are not prepared to provide witnesses and assistance in our courts, why do we exradite our people to theirs, British Airways staff should not be put on trial in the USA!

Bob Boiwen, Bacup, UK

The particular incident was an accident. However, it is generally unsafe for allies on the ground when the US Air force is operating above. The number of incidents in recent history when the "Top Gun" types have ignored there own controllers and rules of engagement to bomb allied troops demonstrates a complete lack of discipline and accountability.
In civilian life this would lead to manslaughter or murder charges as it should for service men who act recklessly.

F. McMillan, Montreal, Canada

"The Fog of War" became an issue the day we moved beyond clubs and straight-edged weapons. Those that serve quickly learn to live with the fact that if something can go wrong, it will. (Murphy's Laws of Combat includes "Nothing is more accurate than friendly fire.")

These incidents are a tragedy and our allies deserve full disclosure of all circumstances... the families already know what went wrong and I really don't think the details can hurt them (or our forces) any more. What will fester is hiding the truth behind a wall of bureaucracy. (To those in the US- think of Pat Tillman's death)

If we don't treat our friends better than the people we fight, we may find ourselves getting very lonely soon...

Brian, Los Angeles, USA/CA

I just hope that in the event of British soldiers killing American soldiers by accident, the US won't ask for British "friendly-fire" witnesses to go to an American court.

Daniel Fernandes, Kettering, UK

Touche, Lezli!

Joseph E. Paulk, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Michael O'Neil is right to draw attention to the huge levels of support British troops receive - most of it life saving - from US forces. But he should ask himself what the US might wish for if situations were reversed. If British forces accidently killed US troops, would the US authorities want full and open cooperation from those British personnel involved? I suspect they would. From a British perspective, over recent years there has been a rising perception that the US gets what it wants, and the British can get stuffed, it is hardly surprising that there is rising antipathy towards the US on this side of the pond.

Michael Cokerham, London, UK

The one way traffic in witnesses and suspects just reflects the balance of political power. It is a simple as that.

Ian Heath, Buckingham,

To Michael O'Neil, Atlantic City , NJ - At least most of the indigenous populations the English dominated are still alive and flourishing, in spite of the Potato Famine and Highland Clearances. Shame the same can't be said for yours. To put the point a different way, I don't think the last millenium of history is particularly relevant. The US feels free to bring over our people without any pre-trial for bank fraud, but won't help when they slay their allies by accident. I think we know where we stand. And as for the quality of your military kit - no one doubts you have the firepower. Again, shame you can't find something more humane to spend all that money on. What is it now - more 'defence' spend than everyone else in the World put together? I guess you must have a lot of defending to do.

Paul E, Bournemouth, UK

What a disgrace. An MOD spokesmans comments of: "The aim was to try to find ways to help coroners to obtain the information they needed."

The MOD should be held to Account for this disgraceful arrangement that they have put in place

Andy, Bristol, England

The whole point is being missed. The inquest is designed to dicover FACTS regarding a death. NOT blame.

By refusing the send US millitary personnel to the inquest the opportunity to discover WHAT went wrong and WHY is effectively lost. THAT is the tragedy as it leaves the door open for such mistakes to be repeated. Remember, this time it was British personnel killed. Next time it's more likely to be US personnel that die.

Anything that can reduce that possability is is a step in the right direction. Just staying dumb it just that DUMB. It's a pity that once again the US comes across as being unwilling to help reduce these mistakes.

BTW, I fully accept that these mistakes will always happen. That is NOT the same is refusing to try to reduce them though.

Lance, Crawley, UK

Mr O'Neil I would hope your obvious dislike of what you term the British (Although I think you mean English) would preclude you from any involvement of air cover for our troops. Also if you're talking 'Justice' what about your countries brand of 'injustice' regarding, deep breath now...

Native Americans
Guatemala
Cuba
Nicaragua
Mexican Migrants
Dropping the Atomic Bomb on Japan
Iraq
Public Support of the IRA
Libya
Palestine (By association with Israel)
Camp X-Ray
And so on!

Ravo Stanley-O'Neill, Liverpool,

Why should we be surprised when there is friendly fire from the Americans? We know they fairly routinely accidentally kill innocent civilians (sorry that would be collateral damage) it is only a safe bet that sooner or later their lack of control will impact on coallition troops.

We should not be in Iraq or Afghanistan, it is not our war and we are not mandated to do this in any legal framework. Get out now and save some of our troops.

To Michael O'Neil I am sorry to say that after all the reports into your troops conduct (Abu-Graib etc) you still think they do no wrong and should be 100% supported. With any 40,000 people you will get some who mess up, be honest and fix the problem in the US army.

Joseph Kellie, Edinburgh, Scotland

As an Irish man reading this thread, less of the anti-Irish comments would be appreicated! Argue the facts, not the man!

Eoin, Dublin, Ireland

The Americans are worse than enemies, they pretend to our "special friend" and yet treat us worse than I would expect a disliked person to be treated.

Patrick, Brighton, UK

Apparently, you Brits aren't as smart as you think you are because you obviously can't read. The article does not state that the US has refused to give any info to anyone. What it says is that the US will not provide CLASSIFIED evidence to anyone but the BRITISH MILITARY. That means if the families want non-classified material, they can have it. Your military, on the other hand, can get what ever it asks for. I agree with this decision because those coroners would release calssified info (like in the Matty Hull case) simply to try and embarass the US on a global stage.

Cash, Dayton, USA

Hi,

this may seem off the point, but I submitted contributions to 2 blogs today. Neither included bad language or any obvious reason why they should not be seen.

I assume someone vets these before they go out?
Can someone please tell me your policy so that I know what I did wrong, or can at least stop wasting my time?

Paul Entwistle, Bournemouth, UK

Michael O'Neil does not display the self-control that one expects from an officer in charge of millions of dollars of flying explosives. If he flies like he argues then it's a wonder that there are any NATO troops that haven't yet been shot in the back.

Anthony Charlton, Swindon,

To Michael O'Neil, Atlantic City , NJ

It's hard to believe that you are a serving *officer* in the US Air Force. In fact, I don't believe it.

As the old joke goes : one dog to another "see, on the internet nobody knows that you're a dog".

You're a dog. And the USAF haven't taken to recruiting dogs. Yet.

Woof woof.

Rover, Honoursville, England, UK.

"Degrade US-UK special relationship from government down to individual citizen level."
Guess Mr. bin Laden must be checking another box on his wish list. Presupposing he's alive, which is doubtful.
The quick, brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.

Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Kanagawa

the US/UK relationship doesn't appear to be very reciprocal, does it ?

I'm fairly sure that British pilots who killed Americans in a "friendly fire" incident would be hauled up PDQ by the US authorities to appear in an inquest or its US equivalent.

Meanwhile, as co-operation only seemingly goes in one direction, let's get out of Iraq

david orchard, guildford, uk,

Once again, the violent Oppressor, from 'The home of the Brave' chooses to walk over who ever may stand in its way - even if they are on the same side!
I think I'd rather side with Al Qaeda than have to associate myself with these heathens any longer. At least they (Al Qaeda) have a cause and are not simply led by some despot President trying stay in power!

Sean, London,

I, as an American, feel as though our military SHOULD be involved in the inquest. It is terribly wrong for my country to not provide winesses for this matter, or ANY matter where war casualties are concerned. I sincerely apologize for the asinine actions of my country.

Candy, Bethel, Ohio, USA

I notice that not one person asks how many British troops are killed and maimed by their fellow Brits. These occur more frequently than you imagine but are suppressed by your military and government. There is one simple solution to this issue, get your government to never ask the US for any form of assistance in a military zone and set your forces apart from ours, be totally independent. I know you will not be pleased with the casualties then, if your soldiers actually do any fighting.

Jeff, Weston, FL

"irish-american", michael? as in the type of person who funded the i.r.a. for years? back when there was no "war on terror"? presumably, your idea of justice is that of the typically corrupt irish-american cop? I bet you like a drink too. is that silly? I mean sillier than you.
we're not asking for blood, just for the truth.
and remember: it's not our army that needs your air support, it's your government that needs the support of the idea that there is an alliance and it's not just america throwing its weight around again.
now come along... we're supposed to be in the same side. it's not like you've got to answer to all the iraqi families you've bombed.
we still haven't forgotten that more of our troops were killed by americans than by iraqis in the first gulf war. it's not too much to expect for you to learn from your mistakes, is it? which you will never be able to do if you can't admit them. it might even save american lives. hey, even irish-american lives.

jem, london, uk

Obviously Micky O,Neil isnt a pilot in the USAF .If he was he would have a different opinion of the RAF.
He should know where we [usa] got its first jet engine knowledge from
About the obvious anti British feeling .
You shouldnt blame all the British people for things that occured in Ireland in the past anymore than you can blame all Americans for the atrocities commited against the American Indians orW the Viets .
By the way why did Irish people always emmigrate to countries colonized by Bitain if the Brits are so bad .
Come on Michael forget the past .
Bitain is our ally & any one who has fought alongside British soldiers or airmen know there quality is very very high.

brian lee, medina, USA OHIO

As we have seen so many times before, with friends like the American armed services who needs enemies !!
USAAF shot down numerous RAF aircraft in the Second World War, the USAF killed more British soldiers than the entire Iraqi Army in the first Gulf War. Their pilots have NEVER been TAUGHT how to recognise anybody who is not AMERICAN.
Not wonder the Brits, Canadian, Dutch and German troops do not trust them in Afghanistan.

L J Stewart, Edinburgh, Scotland

Another shining example of Truth, Justice and the American way.

I hope their names get leaked in the press like the Matty Hull case...

Michael, Newcastle, England

All part of the special relationship . . .

We give, give, give . . .

And America take, take, take.

Don’t you just feel special? !

Graham, Devon,

When Russia refused extradition all hell broke lose. In this case USA refused even to think about sending witnesses. Any ideas how our 'president' going to act?

On another note:

Michael O'Neil- why so bitter? I know the truth hurts, but if you act right it's all good to get the medals. So in turn if you made a mistake be a man and admit to it. The least you could do is to make sure that the relatives know exactly what, why and who did it. I do not think this is too much to ask or is it?

Disillusioned Citizen, London, UK

Time to tell the U.S. to move their bases from UK soil if that is how they feel about our soldiers being killed by "friendly fire" by US forces. There is obviously an "us and them" feeling between Washington and Whitehall when called to carry out the decent thing and make relevant evidence available. What have they got to hide or are their great warriors mediocre in training and they won't admit it.

bugsy, Burley-in-Wharfedale, West Yorkshire

To Michael O'Neil, Atlantic City , NJ

If this is the veiw of you fellow counrtymen then the sooner we get out the better so called alies like you are like the smelly stuff you tread in over the park walking the dog and i dont mean the grass
so much for the uk and the usa having a special relationship

John L Sullivan, Romford, UK

Can you imagine the mass hysteria that would have happened if France or Germany had said this? It's about time the media here started to take a more balanced approach to world affairs.

Luke Nicolaides, London, UK

Can these personnel be subjected to contempt of court proceedings for refusing to attend? Ineffective perhaps but it'll prevent them visiting the UK (or anywhere else we might be able to extradite them from)

Ganesh Sittampalam, St Neots, UK

To Mr O'Neil- The British have also supported 'you guys' in a war that should not have happened and which has led to the death of many innocent people.
I wonder if you would be so understanding if it was your member of your family or even an American being treated so badly. If your government has nothing to hide, then it should be happy to give some closure to those families who just want to understand why our government has supported this war with the lives of their loved ones.

A Jones , London ,

Whenever and wherever there is a conflict or war there will be friendly fire incidents. It's happening now, it happened in the Falklands, WWII (including Douglas Bader on one occasion), WWI and as far back as the War of the Roses in 1461. I am suspicious that we hear more about it now simply in an attempt to portray the Americans in a bad light. I have never trusted journalists, and never will.

Marlboro Man, LINCOLN, England

Michael O'Neil, Are these the same useless Tornadoes that did the low level, daylight bombing during the invasion because the US deemed them the best option?
Your assumption that because Lezli Taubler is from London he must be English is worrying seeing as you are a USAF pilot. Does that mean anyone on the ground in Afghanistan is Taliban?

Ed, London,

And after all those years of being the
little Bush poodle dog, this is what Britain
gets. Nada, Zip. Zilch. Not even a kind or considerate word will be allowed to be uttered by those who made the mistakes that resulted in the deaths of British soldiers.

rkerg, oakland, USA/CA

A thousand years back England was still in the grip of the Norman invasion Mr O'Neil. Those who dispensed "justice" in these islands over the intervening centuries were mostly the religious and the rich and powerful - not the poor bloody infantry. Ordinary mortals didn't get a look in.

With thickos like you flying warplanes its frankly surprising that more "friendly fire" incidents have not taken place.

Since you live in the "land of the free" isn't it time you embraced America and stopped reverting back to your blinkered Irish bigotry?

After all most of us have moved on , grown up and modernised their thinking since the times when Celts constantly attacked their neighbours and incurred their wrath..

Bob Green, Essex, Engalnd

so much for the uk and the usa being allies, now will brown stand up to bush or wil he just be his puppy ?

peter codner, devizes, england

Just another example of the one way 'special relationship'
For those people who campaign against us being part of Europe perhaps you should also be campaigning against us being just a US lackey?

George, Glasgow, UK

To Lezli Taubler-Are you referring to the 'Justice' you dispensed in Ireland and Scotland for nearly 1,000 years? As a serving Irish-American Officer in the Air Force, the next time the British Army needs air support they should call upon the retired Jaguars, the cannon-less Harriers, and the useless Tornados and stop berating us for the thousands of British lives American Air cover and close air support have saved .

Michael O'Neil, Atlantic City , NJ

One thing is for sure. The USA have never understood the meaning of the word 'justice', I suppose because it's an English word, and they've never been too good with that particular language.

Lezli Taubler, London, UK