I hope that justice will prevail in this heinous case

Soldier gets 90 years in prison for rape, murder of Iraqi girl and family, but he will be eligible for parole in 20 years as part of a plea-bargain where he will testify against other participants in exchange for escaping the death penalty. Several other soldiers are facing court martial in the case. The soldier who has been fingered for the actual killings had already been discharged for personality issues before the case came to light, so he will be tried in a civilian court. According to allegations and this soldier's testimony, the group went to a house intending to rape a 14-year-old girl. One stayed as lookout, another went along but did not participate in the rape. Three actually raped the girl, including the one who copped the plea-bargain, and one other allegedly shot the rest of the family as the other two raped her. The the girl was then killed and they burnt her body to cover up the crime. So far, it seems they were stupid thugs who have tried to blame lack of sleep and lack of support during the Iraqi mission for their actions. Nothing can bring this girl and her family back. Plus, the case has damaged the already shaky American reputation overseas. It's just sickening, and so counter to the image of brave soldiers defending our country. Unfortunately, the military attracts a certain type sometimes that goes horribly bad. That's not saying all the military is like that, certainly not. But look at the Tim McVeighs of the world. Usually those with authority issues or who are truly unstable get drummed out, like McVeigh and Green, the soldier allegedly responsible for these killings. But there is a certain culture in the military that promotes machismo, violence, and depersonalisation of others. Think of the hazing that recruits go through, for example--and there is extreme pressure not to blow the whistle on any other soldier's actions. I'm glad this case came to light, and I hope that those responsible will get exactly what they deserve.