While serving in Taji, Iraq, West received information from an
intelligence specialist about a reported plot to ambush him and his
men.[11] The alleged plot reportedly involved Yahya Jhodri Hamoodi, a
civilian Iraqi police officer.[11] West, who was not responsible for
conducting interrogations in Iraq and had never conducted or witnessed
one, had his men detain Hamoodi.[11] In the process of detaining Mr.
Hamoodi, soldiers testified that Mr. Hamoodi appeared to reach for his
weapon and needed to be subdued.[11] Hamoodi was beaten by four
soldiers from the 220th Field Artillery Battalion on the head and body.
[12] West then fired his pistol near Hamoodi's head,[11] after which
Hamoodi provided West with names and information, which Hamoodi later
described as "meaningless information induced by fear and pain."[11]
At least one of these suspects was arrested as a result, but no plans
for attacks or weapons were found.[11] West said "At the time I had to
base my decision on the intelligence I received. It's possible that I
was wrong about Mr. Hamoodi."[11]
West was charged with violating articles 128 (assault) and 134
(general article) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. During a
hearing held as part of an Article 32 investigation in November 2003,
West stated, "I know the method I used was not right, but I wanted to
take care of my soldiers."[12] The charges were ultimately referred to
an Article 15 proceeding rather than court-martial, at which West was
fined $5,000.[11] LTC West accepted the judgment and retired with full
benefits in the summer of 2004. Asked if he would act differently
under similar circumstances again, West testified, "If it's about the
lives of my soldiers at stake, I'd go through hell with a gasoline
can."[13] After Lieutenant Colonel West was relieved of his command,
an interpreter employed by a private contractor said that without his
presence the region he previously oversaw "became more dangerous and
chaotic".[11]
On Jul 21, 2:32 pm, Stephen Stink <not4ud...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Yep..... them socialists are in ghettos and in gangs! Them socialists
> have rhythm unlike patriotic true Americans! Them socialists have big
> lips and big butts! A lot of socialists are in the NBA! True Americans
> play hockey and watch NASCAR. Allen Keys, Hermann Cain,Michael Steel
> and Larry Elder are all socialkists! Doncha hate code words? I
> don't....I love it?
> Wheeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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