why is trump honoring war criminals?

'He will have taken a step to dishonor our armed forces': One of the most highly-decorated retired US Army generals warns Trump against pardoning war criminals

Trump is reportedly considering pardoning several service members and military contractors.

One of the most highly-decorated retired US Army officers delivered a stark warning against the potential move.

"A pardon by President Trump for military personnel who have been convicted of battlefield crimes or are pending general court-martial would be enormously damaging to the values of the US armed forces," retired four-star Gen. Barry McCaffrey wrote in an opinion column published in The Washington Post. "He should not take this action."

"It would tell foreign fighters that we accept the murder or maltreatment of our own forces if captured," McCaffrey added.

McCaffrey was awarded three Purple Heart medals, two Distinguished Service Crosses, and two Silver Stars during his 32-year military career.

McCaffrey referred to his own combat experience in his column and said he empathized with many service members who navigated through the fog of war. But he arguedthat despite the difficulty in distinguishing friend from foe, "the armed forces subscribe to the rule of law."

"Our values as a fighting force demand that we not abuse detainees or prisoners of war under our control," he wrote. "Civilians and their property must be protected. We work very hard to minimize collateral casualties. It's part of our training and our code of conduct."

https://www.businessinsider.com/barry-mccaffrey-warns-trump-pardoning-war-criminals-opinion-2019-5?utm_source=reddit.com