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Bush 'troubled' by reports

Amid probes into allegations of Iraqi civilian deaths, Bush vows punishment if Marines found guilty

BY J. JIONI PALMER | Newsday Washington Bureau

June 1, 2006

WASHINGTON - In his first public comments on a burgeoning controversy that threatens to undermine U.S. military efforts in Iraq, President George W. Bush yesterday said he was "troubled by the initial news stories" that up to 24 civilians were killed by Marines patrolling the western city of Haditha.

"I am mindful that there is a thorough investigation going on. If, in fact, the laws were broken, there will be punishment," Bush said when asked about the incident during a joint appearance with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. "And if, in fact, these allegations are true, the Marine Corps will work hard to make sure that that culture, that proud culture, will be reinforced, and that those who violated the law, if they did, will be punished."

Pentagon officials acknowledged last week that they are probing allegations that some of the Iraqi civilian deaths in November may have been unjustifiable homicides and could result in several Marines being charged with murder. Officials are also attempting to ascertain whether the Marine Corps attempted to cover up the initial deaths, which were first reported as having resulted from a roadside bomb and then later from a firefight with insurgents.

An Army official said yesterday that a three-month probe led by Army Maj. Gen. Eldon Bargewell will conclude that some officers gave false information to their superiors, who then failed to adequately scrutinize reports that should have caught their attention. It also is expected to call for changes in how U.S. troops are trained for duty in Iraq, the official said.

Even before the final report is delivered, Army Gen. George Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, is expected to order today that all U.S. and allied troops in Iraq undergo new "core values" training in how to operate professionally and humanely.

No charges have been filed. Military and congressional officials say, however, that there is evidence suggesting the Marines opened fire in homes and a taxi, killing unarmed civilian men, women and children.

"I want to see what the investigation shows; I don't accept there was a cover-up," said Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford), who was supposed to travel to Iraq in March but canceled when the Pentagon at the last minute declined to provide a military aircraft.

Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) also is loath to render a verdict on the allegations until the investigations are completed but said he is concerned that the findings could have negative consequences for the war effort.

"I don't want to prejudge the investigations that are occurring, but if the allegations are true, this severely undermines our strategic objectives in Iraq, and the people responsible, including high-ranking officers, should be punished," said Israel, who sits on the Armed Services Committee and traveled to Iraq in April.

The Washington Post contributed to this story.