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http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,931992,00.html Accusations fly over lack of action on friendly fire deaths (excerpts) "There were also suggestions that a gung-ho, drug-fuelled culture among American pilots may be a factor." "One US infantry division, the 4th, does have a sophisticated system designed to prevent mistakes, but this was the division supposed to invade Iraq through Turkey, and it is only now being deployed via an alternative route. Another army programme to equip all military vehicles with electronic devices to distinguish friend from foe was scrapped in 2001 as too expensive." "The problem is in the choice of personnel in the elite elements of the American armed forces," he said. "It's a cowboy syndrome. They have produced too many people who push the parameters of their mission too far. They go looking for trouble. It's worse than it was 12 years ago because the arrogance of certain people has allowed it to go unchecked." "The use of amphetamines appears to be regular practice among some US flyers. "The air force tries to convey the sense that amphetamines are safe," said Mr Garrett. "But this isn't simply espresso or cappuccino. These are things that can wire someone pretty significantly." Is there any evidence of official/unofficial amphetamine or other drug use by US ground troops in Iraq? pg _______________________________________________ Sent via the discussion list of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq. To unsubscribe, visit http://lists.casi.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/casi-discuss To contact the list manager, email casi-discuss-admin@lists.casi.org.uk All postings are archived on CASI's website: http://www.casi.org.uk