[Reader-list] US imitates Israel's computer war games

[Rana Dasgupta]

Article about how the knowledge that Israel has built up during its
occupation of Palestinian territories is being shared with other would-be
occupiers - such as the US.

R



U.S. May Study Israel Occupation Tactics
Thu Sep 18, 6:00 PM ET

By MATTHEW ROSENBERG, Associated Press Writer

JERUSALEM - In an apparent search for pointers on how to police a hostile
population, the U.S. military that's trying to bring security to Iraq is
showing interest in Israeli software instructing soldiers on how to behave
in the West Bank and Gaza, an Israeli military official said Thursday.

Using animated graphics and clips from movies like "Apocalypse Now," the
software outlines a "code of conduct" for avoiding abuse of civilians while
manning roadblocks, searching homes and conducting other activities, said
Lt. Col. Amos Guiora, head of the School of Military Law.

Israeli troops have frequently faced criticism from Palestinian and human
rights groups. Two weeks ago, Amnesty International said in a report that
Israeli military checkpoints and curfews violate Palestinians' human rights.

U.S. soldiers have also faced criticism in Iraq, where they have been
accused of using excessive force.

In a reflection of tensions in Iraq, guerrillas ambushed two U.S. military
convoys Thursday, wounding two soldiers. And a nervous American patrol shot
at a wedding party late Wednesday, killing a 14-year-old boy and wounding
six other people after mistaking celebratory gunfire for an attack,
witnesses said.

Guiora told The Associated Press that U.S. military officials had recently
seen the software, which was developed this year, and expressed interest. As
a result, he said, the military is now working on an English version for
them.

A U.S. official with the Embassy in Tel Aviv would say only that American
officers have seen the Israeli software and considered it useful.

Guiora said the software was developed after military lawyers found
themselves giving dry lectures to disinterested audiences of troops.

"There are complicated issues. The fact that this (software) is so
user-friendly, that it has the movie clips, the sounds, the animation — we
felt this was the best way," he said.

Israel's military has set up dozens of roadblocks in the West Bank and Gaza
to keep suicide bombers out of Israel. But Palestinians say the travel
restrictions unfairly make life a misery for millions. In some cases, sick
Palestinians heading to hospitals have died at roadblocks.

Human rights groups have also accused troops of using excessive force and
said soldiers are often confused about the rules-of-engagement.

The "code of conduct" includes principles such as not shooting at anyone who
is surrendering, showing respect for religious and cultural artifacts and
providing medical care to anyone injured — conditions permitting.

Guiora said the software, which is currently being distributed to junior
commanders in military, also includes scenarios often encountered by troops.

In one, he said, two soldiers drive up to a pile of rocks blocking the road
and are told it may be mined. What to do — call mine-clearing experts,
remove the rocks themselves, or get some Palestinians to do it? Anyone
choosing the last option is disabused by the program.