Let’s assume the story is true as presented. What are the odds of our good corporal getting returned directly to his unit? How about stationed in another theater? How about actually getting a discharge based on his alleged agreement with his captors.
After all, if he returns to duty, it seems clear that his family is in the neighborhood and would be at risk, which in turn would make him a very real target for blackmail/coersion and thus a bad candidate for soldiery. And then there’s the old trust factor with his brother Marines–compromised do you think? Meaning: there will certainly be lingering doubts in the minds of his comrades as to the REAL reason he was released. You know, being an Arab, being a Muslim, being “released” for what reason really? Maybe to spy or turn coat later?
Every time you think this story can’t get weirder…
Question is how he was captured in the first place, of course; if there was an ambush or something I think his colleagues would have had the capture story for the MPs already. He seems to have gone off alone. How far is it to Lebanon? I would guess pretty damn far. If he wanted a discharge or something there certainly were easier ways to do it.
Nobody needs more ammo to add to doubts about Muslim soldiers. First that fragger in Kuwait last year and now this. Strange.
Damn, hit submit too soon–I meant to add that his family, at least in America, seems to have been genuinely scared for him and I don’t think they had any knowledge of any plot. And that I would guess Hassoun is still bound by his oath as a Marine to go back to service. Any oath taken with a gun to your head certainly cannot be said to be valid.
Yeah, there’s a duress angle to that, somewhere buried in the UCMJ that you can’t be held accountable for things said under duress.
Now, my take on it is that it’s real. Just has the feeling about it.
Unless I’m off my nut, (which is possible) even terrorists are aware of public opinions. I mean, you kill a muslim when your war is against the infidels, it would show you as a murderer, rather than a warrior for Allah.