The New York Times reports that U.S. troops will begin shooting Iraqi looters soon:
United States military forces in Iraq will have the authority to shoot looters on sight under a tough new security setup that will include hiring more police officers and banning ranking members of the Baath Party from public service, American officials said today.
"They are going to start shooting a few looters so that the word gets around" that assaults on property, hijacking automobiles and violent crimes will be dealt with using deadly force.
How Iraqis will learn of the new rules is not clear. American officials in Iraq have access to United States-financed radio stations, which could broadcast word of the shift.
posted by Arne at 8:15 PM