U.S. Places Limits on Troops' Criticism
The troops in Iraq are becoming increasingly frustrated with the Administration and speaking out. They are also discovering the limits placed on their first amendment rights:
Last week, several 3rd Infantry Division soldiers offered pointed criticisms of decisions by their chain of command. One called for the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
Afterward, 3rd ID public affairs officers based at Baghdad International Airport barred a Stars and Stripes reporter from interviewing soldiers on the subject. They said there already has been too much negative publicity on the issue.
The U.S. Central Command’s top officer, Gen. John Abizaid, said July 16 at a Pentagon news briefing that some of the soldiers could be punished for their remarks. [link via Buzzflash]
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