Iraqis live in an honor-bound society, built of tight family ties. When noncombatants are killed, it matters little to the survivors whether the American rules allowed it, or what the U.S. military courts decide. The survivors go to war in return, which provokes more of the same in a circular dive that spirals beyond recovery. Haditha is just a small example.

Rules of Engagement is quite possibly the most compelling and best written bit of journalism I have read in a long time, particularly where the war in Iraq is concerned. It’s a strong, vital, and raw piece which may make your guts twist and leave you feeling damp-eyed and slightly broken, but you have to read it yourself. Nothing I could say to paraphrase it would do it justice.

It’s also long, so set aside some time to finish it in one sitting.