U.S. Marines killed two dozen Iraqi civilians in Haditha last November, and now investigators are trying to figure out whether they intentionally tried to cover up that the killings of men, women and children were not caused by a bomb or crossfire. It is time for the United States to take responsibility for wrongdoings in Iraq and to stop making false claims.

The raids killed civilian men at a checkpoint and then killed the dwellers of two homes. If this situation is indeed another failure to adhere to international law, it shows that the Geneva Conventions continue to be an issue for the United States in war in Iraq.

There is chaos in Iraq and the discovery of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s corpse doesn’t put an end to this mayhem. The tremendous joy over al-Zarqawi’s death is a real reflection of how horribly dismayed U.S. officials are about Iraq.

The United States first blamed Syria, then Iran and then al- Zarqawi over having a complete lack of control in Iraq. It was originally bin Laden, then Saddam Hussein. Blame finally diverted from them and shifted to Uday and Qusay Hussein.

The now deceased al-Zarqawi has been the target of blame recently. Despite all the attention given to the death, there is little actual victory in the al-Zarqawi death. All things considered, his death fails to justify this occupation and the lives it has taken. The Pentagon is using this opportunity to fuel this slight defeat of the insurgency to the masses and soldiers as a sign of U.S. achievement and victory in Iraq.

Obviously soldiers are more than despondent in Iraq. It is encouraging that the local anti-war front is in support of these troops, made evident by the vigils marking the 2,500th death of a U.S. soldier. But Iraqis must also not be forgotten. Who will mourn for the thousands of Iraqis who lost their lives?

The war in Iraq and its various injustices bring a great feeling of shame. Identity often is reflective of one’s state. What will happen to Americanism?

The United States has a constant hunger for someone to blame in Iraq. The blame game and false claims for victory must end; it’s time to take responsibility in Iraq.