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Snapshot 7:Fri, Sep 13, 2024 3:31:37 AM GMT last edited by Scott

Australia Strips Commanders' Medals Over Alleged War Crimes

Australia Strips Commanders' Medals Over Alleged War Crimes

Above: Richard Marles during the Australia-US Ministerial Consultations on Aug. 6, 2024. Image copyright: Chip Somodevilla/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Spin

It's unfair to penalize high-ranking officers, considering the Brereton Report focuses on troops directly accused of the murders and didn't find evidence that the commanders were aware of the alleged war crimes. Stripping these medals is a betrayal of the courage, leadership, and sacrifice of soldiers on the battlefield. There should only be punishment if an officer is found guilty by a court of law.

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ThereThe fact that honored very top commanders have been let off the hook and aren'st afacing 45%the chanceprospect of having their medals stripped shows that Taliban-controlledresponsibility Afghanistanand willaccountability bedon't usedreach asfar aenough baseup forthe anti-NATOchain terrorismof before Jancommand. 1The 2027,Australian accordingmilitary tohasn't thebeen Metaculuslet predictiondown communityby its senior officers and subordinates but by a lack of moral courage at higher headquarters.

Those who served in Afghanistan don't deserve to be painted as war criminals because of the alleged acts of a few. This decision will put a strain on veterans, who are already vulnerable to a high rate of suicide. This decision is a disgrace to those who risked their lives to fight terrorism.

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 45% chance that Taliban-controlled Afghanistan will be used as a base for anti-NATO terrorism before Jan. 1 2027, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


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