Customer Reviews

The Good Soldier on Trial: A Sociological Study of Misconduct by the US Military Pertaining to Operation Iron Triangle, Iraq

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Meticulously documented and superbly written, Dr. Mestrovic's account of the shootings during Operation Iron Triangle render incomplete and/or inaccurate all prior reports of this incident. A sociologist by degree and profession, Dr. Mestrovic demonstrates unique insights, not only into the legal and military elements of this case, but also into its moral and psychological aspects. He describes how a "poisoned" command climate, especially an aggressive predisposition to kill--as opposed to capture--insurgents, can result in young, inexperienced soldiers misunderstanding rules of engagement. Prosecuting and incarcerating these same soldiers for "murder" has created considerable resentment in the general public--especially among veterans--and growing unease in Congress. Treating these cases solely as violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), without addressing underlying causes as described by Dr. Mestrovic, does little to reduce the risk of recurrence for such incidents in future conflicts. This book should be required reading for all military officers, members of Congress, and anyone interested in military justice.

This book on Operation Iron Triangle, one of the the most high profile and serious war crimes cases from the Iraq War, is well researched and documented. The author went to tremendous lengths to get to the heart of the issue. In the end, the reader must decide who, if anyone is to blame for this incident. Excellent read and plenty of primary documents and sources included in the book.