I think we need to remember that journalists didn't force their way into troop carriers and tanks The notion of an embedded journalist was invented by the US administration and the US military. They are there to help show the world the good points about the war as well as the bad points. Now clearly the good points heavily outweigh the bad points because the allied forces are disciplined, professional and are pursuing an admirable aim. However, when things don't go as well as we would like to see, I don't think we should blame the journalist for doing their job.
With regard to the check point shooting I don't think that any soldier is entitled to shoot at cars without following the Rules of Engagement established by their chain of command. The eyewitness report of a Washington Post journalist indicated that the warning shot might have come too late to influence the action of the driver, and the immediate reaction of the commanding officer at the scene ("you killed a family because you didn't shoot an early warning shot" or words to that effect) may be the best indication of what happened.
I'm not setting out to blame the soldiers involved. Like so many things in this war there doesn't seem to be an absolute right or wrong about this. Just many shades of grey between the black or white issue that many people would like it to be. Tragic mistakes happen in war, which is quite understandable given the enourmous pressure that the combat soldiers are under. I have complete sympathy with the soldiers who were at that checkpoint - I can not imagine how difficult a sitruation they are in. But tonight my thoughts are with the women and children who died in that car, because they were most probably innocent and have paid the ultimate price.
Regards
Rob
