That checkpoint - a reporter on the BBC was saying today that there weren't any signs out telling traffic that there was a checkpomt coming up, and no proper blocking of the road. It must have felt more like an ambush than a checkpoint. Even if you actually believe the claims about warning shots.

Probably not malice, just incompetance, with unspeakably horrible results. These are supposed to be highly trained professionals. Maybe they weren't trained in how to set up and operate a checkpoint - in which case whoever drew up their training programme ought to be court-martialled.

I saw a photo today of a soldier - on his helmet there was a painting of a skull, and a large painted slogan "Kill 'em all". What kind of insanity is it that allows that kind of thing, in an army that is supposed to be trying to convince frightened people that it is there to bring peace and liberty?