Probe finds Haditha killings unprovoked…

Today, the Bush administration said a preliminary military inquiry found evidence that, in November, U.S. Marines killed two dozen Iraqi civilians in an unprovoked attack. The finding contradicted the troops' account. The preliminary finding is based on "the forensics [evidence that] painted a different story than what the Marines had said."

At a Pentagon briefing, Army Brig. Gen. Carter Ham said, "Allegations such as this, regardless of how they are borne out by the facts, can have an effect on the ability of U.S. forces to continue to operate." Gen, Ham is deputy director for regional operations for the military's Joint Staff.

Two military investigations are underway: First, Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investing whether murder charges should be brought. Secondly, a separate investigation is taking place to determine if military officials covered up the incident.

• Listen - Haditha deaths and the psychology of war -- NPR


• Can the military effectively investigate itself? -- Christian Science Monitor


• Massacre and cover-up?-- BBC