Amos:
Thanks for the overview but not likely to be an excuse (strict liability here, me thinks) ... the US will still be villified ... we are such an easy target ... nothing will likely comfort the families of the missing/drowned and our prayers should be with them ... just a nasty mess for us all.

"May the Lord put an end to these cruel old wars
And bring peace and contentment ... to all our brave tars,
Cheers,
Wotcha