Training Iraqis to handle their own dead
The Pentagon produces an impressive array of media these days. Its websites are practically bursting with photos, video, and audio. In most cases, it's clear that the U.S. military is trying to put a positive spin, often deservedly so, on the situation in Iraq. But I was surprised when one of the recent lead items ...
The Pentagon produces an impressive array of media these days. Its websites are practically bursting with photos, video, and audio. In most cases, it's clear that the U.S. military is trying to put a positive spin, often deservedly so, on the situation in Iraq. But I was surprised when one of the recent lead items on the Pentagon's own news network was that U.S. troops are handing over mortuary duties to the Iraqi army. Not exactly your typical feel-good story, and the anti-sexual harassment message that runs after the report seems a bit off message.
The Pentagon produces an impressive array of media these days. Its websites are practically bursting with photos, video, and audio. In most cases, it's clear that the U.S. military is trying to put a positive spin, often deservedly so, on the situation in Iraq. But I was surprised when one of the recent lead items on the Pentagon's own news network was that U.S. troops are handing over mortuary duties to the Iraqi army. Not exactly your typical feel-good story, and the anti-sexual harassment message that runs after the report seems a bit off message.
According to the report, most military, civilian, and enemy dead had previously been handled by U.S. mortuary affairs personnel. (What about all those stories about the overburdened Baghdad morgue?) But soon, six mortuary affairs collection points will be opened across Iraq, funded by the United States.
More from Foreign Policy

Can Russia Get Used to Being China’s Little Brother?
The power dynamic between Beijing and Moscow has switched dramatically.

Xi and Putin Have the Most Consequential Undeclared Alliance in the World
It’s become more important than Washington’s official alliances today.

It’s a New Great Game. Again.
Across Central Asia, Russia’s brand is tainted by Ukraine, China’s got challenges, and Washington senses another opening.

Iraqi Kurdistan’s House of Cards Is Collapsing
The region once seemed a bright spot in the disorder unleashed by U.S. regime change. Today, things look bleak.