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What do you think about this story?

Discussion in '2005 Archive' started by Craigbythesea, Apr 22, 2005.

  1. Craigbythesea

    Craigbythesea Well-Known Member

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    Military Jury Convicts Sergeant of Murder
    By ESTES THOMPSON, AP

    "FORT BRAGG, N.C. (April 21) - An Army sergeant was convicted Thursday by a military jury of premeditated murder and attempted murder in a grenade and rifle attack that killed two of his comrades and wounded 14 others in Kuwait during the opening days of the Iraq war.

    "Hasan Akbar, 34, now faces a possible death penalty, which the same 15-member jury will consider at a hearing that begins Monday.

    "Prosecutors say Akbar told investigators he launched the attack because he was concerned U.S. troops would kill fellow Muslims in Iraq. They said he coolly carried out the attack to achieve ''maximum carnage'' on his comrades in the 101st Airborne Division.

    "The verdict came after only 2 1/2 hours of deliberations following seven days of testimony in the court-martial - the first time since the Vietnam era that an American has been prosecuted on charges of murdering a fellow soldier during wartime.

    "Akbar stood at attention as the verdict was read by the colonel who headed the jury panel, biting his lip but giving no other outward sign of emotion. Defense attorneys acknowledged that Akbar carried out the attack, but argued he was too mentally ill to have premeditated it and was fueled by emotion.

    "Killed in the middle-of-the-night attack were Army Capt. Christopher Seifert, 27, who was shot in the back, and Air Force Maj. Gregory Stone, 40, who suffered 83 shrapnel wounds. The 101st was preparing to move into Iraq in support of the U.S. invasion when the attack occurred on March 22, 2003."
     
  2. Soulman

    Soulman New Member

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    He was a U.S. soldier. He knew what we are at war for. This was more than likely premeditated as he had plenty of time to contemplate his role beforehand.

    That being said, he killed several men and officers? I would support the death penaltyif convicted.
     
  3. Servent

    Servent Member

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    Guilty Hang Him
     
  4. USN2Pulpit

    USN2Pulpit New Member

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    When I went through basic training, I was made well-aware of the basic provisions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

    He knew what he was doing and he knew the possible penalty given for murder - whether wartime or peace. However, because it was a time of crisis, his traitorous actions demand the more severe punishment.

    This was a man who was willing to kill his own comrades...people he'd likely dealt with as friends up until that time. The crime may be called "murder," but this is nothing less than betrayal - during a time of war.

    His "firm stand" today doesn't fool me. Now that he's caught, he's acting like he was doing it for some higher purpose and is proud of his position. But at the time, he tried to slink away in the darkness and get away with it.
     
  5. PJ

    PJ Active Member
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    My thoughts exactly ...

    PJ
     
  6. av1611jim

    av1611jim New Member

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    I see his actions as traitorous. Traitors hang.

    My "judgmental attitude" has arisen. His name is Akbar. Was he born here? What is his native nationality? I am wondering if he was a plant of some sort, or what?

    This reeks of the typical cowardice of those folks we are trying to rid the earth of.

    In HIS service;
    Jim
     
  7. robycop3

    robycop3 Well-Known Member
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    He shoulda been shot on the spot, saving the taxpayers the expense of a court martial. Happened in Nam more than once...Attack a fellow American with a weapon & get wasted, do not pass "Go", do not collect $200.

    What was the wisdom of the military brass in sending a professing Muslim to fight against fellow Muslims? Did they believe they were sending a Shiite to fight the Sunnis? Why not deploy him in Grenada, where Muslims are about as common as July frosts?
     
  8. WallyGator

    WallyGator New Member

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    How can something like this happen? Didn't someone along the line see his behavior as not condusive to army life? What about his close friends? How many more are there still out there?
    What about our policy about Muslims serving in the armed forces? In combat against fellow Muslims?
     
  9. JackRUS

    JackRUS New Member

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    That's my verdict.
     
  10. billreber

    billreber New Member

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    My human and USAF (Retired) self agrees with the death penalty in this case. HOWEVER, my Christian self asks "Does Jesus love this man?"

    A dead man cannot make a decision for Christ. Pray for this deceived man, that Christ will make Himself known.

    Bill
     
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