I think it might be instructive for the Americans to look at how the killing of English soldiers was seen in Northern Ireland by the international community.

The prevailing view was that they were in a country where they had no business, it was an act of war and really the IRA had every right to zap your guys when they had the opportunity.   This is a view that you still hear voiced by many Americans on the Irish threads of mudcat.

I know its bloody difficult to be told that when its your young men, who have by and large given their lives for their country in good faith.

Politicians have a lot to answer for - putting our young men into these situations for no clear advantage.