Two facts:
#1. At the starting years of the invasion, rules were very lose and soldiers were killing Iraqis for whatever excuse. Any soldier who up close and personally stabbed an Iraqi was rewarded extra 3 days off upon their return. It was a battalion level incentive.
#2. Around 2005/2006, when Iraqi insurgency started to become serious issue, US Army started to implement stricter rules and regulations to win trust of puppet Iraqi administration. Shia militias were inducted into local army to fight Sunni insurgency. Most 90% of killing and raping after than was sectarian based. Wife of my friend was an MP who was stationed in Iraq. She said, Their job was to protect prisoners (90% Sunni) from Shia guards and administration. Even Cook will crush glass and mix in the food for the prisoners. Her duty included to check food before it’s was served to prisoners.
Yeah the first few years were anything goes. Breaking into Iraqi homes and stealing their valuables.
The “civil war” was began by the U.S. to take the pressure off the US forces. Sectarian were introduced by the U.S. in the form of Zarqawi and his merry band of Takfiri misfits who killed both Sunnis and Shias.
Up until 2005, both sects were assisting each others in fighting the US.
Which unit were you part of?I don’t have to read, I was there. Everybody was like that. Kill, rape, pillage. That was part of the unofficial training.