Wednesday, June 14, 2006

"Hadji Girl"

A music video (in the loosest sense of the term) appeared on the internet, apparently sung by a Marine. "Hadji Girl" is the folk-esque story of a Marine gunning down members of an young woman in Iraq after being confronted by her father and brothers.

The "video" originally appeared on YouTube, but has since been pulled for it's controversial content. As of this morning, it could still be seen on CAIR's website.

From CNN:

Lt. Col. Scott Fazekas, a spokesman for the Marines, said Tuesday that the Marines were aware of the video. Fazekas said officials don't know the identity of the singer or whether he is in the military.

The song was "inappropriate and contrary to the high standards expected of all Marines," Fazekas said. He said Marine officers are looking in to the matter.

Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said that in light of recent allegations of atrocities committed by Marines in Haditha and other towns in Iraq, the video should be investigated by the Pentagon and Congress.

"The inappropriate actions of a few individuals should not be allowed to tarnish the reputation of all American military personnel," said Awad.

"The video is not reflective of the tremendous sacrifices and dedication demonstrated, on a daily basis, by tens of thousands of Marines who have assisted the Iraqi people in gaining their freedom," Fazekas said. "We agree with the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations that the inappropriate actions of a few individuals should not tarnish the reputation of all American military personnel."

The video is under investigation to determine whether or not it is a real Marine, and who it may be. Since it was posted anonymously on YouTube, it is difficult to determine if it is a hoax or not. It does seem a bit co-incidental to me that this video just happened to surface during the Haditha investigation.

I went to CAIR's website and watched the video. I am by no means an expert, but I got the "gut" feeling that this is a fraud. You never see anyone but the singer, who has on only a brown quarter-sleeve and BDU pants, with no BDU shirt that would identify him by name or rank. Also, the stage he is on is devoid of any kind of markings, posters, ect. The audience can be heard cheering, but is never seen.

It seems fake to me. Watch it yourself, and let me know what you think.

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