Al Qaida Atrocities Investigation

Top Al Quaida leaders called for investigation into what they called an ongoing pattern of atrocities against civilians by members of its organization operating in Iraq.

Bombings in crowded civilian markets and public builidings, IEDs targeted at civilians, as well as random shootings, abductions, torture and murder of civilians, all in an attempt to undermine the government of Iraq and increase sectarian tension and conflict, are among the charges being investigated, said top officials.

"It has come to our attention that these despicable tactics are not the actions of a few of our members, but are actually the stated policy of all of them operating in Iraq," said Osama Bin Laden. "It's been charged that even I have directed that these barbarities be committed in the name of Allah worldwide, including the 9/11 attacks on the U.S."

Bin Laden said the investigation would continue until all those responsible were prosecuted, no matter how high it goes.

"The dinar stops here," said Bin Laden. "If it's proven that even I am responsible for such atrocities, I will be held accountable."

Okay, I totally made that up.

Important to remember though, in light of current investigation into allegatations that Marines murdered 24 unarmed civilians in Haditha last year.

Important to remember also that the overwhelming majority of civilian deaths in Iraq in the last two years have been caused by the terrorists, not allied forces.

Atrocities happen in every war and are usually committed by both sides. There is a significant different between the rogue behavior of a few and a stated policy of barbarity.