What do women think is going to happen to them when they put themselves in a situation such as Iraq? You are putting yourself in harms way, you ARE in a war zone with MEN. That being said it does not justify raping someone. But I do not agree with women being in the military. Maybe in a perfect world that would be a great idea, but not in the world we live in.

And the flood gates are open! Of course KBR didn't know anything about it, they didn't want to!

Ah the old "blame the victim" ploy. Very nice. Glad to see it didn't take long for that to happen.

i have never read a more uneducated statement in my life. men are around us everywhere, so if i choose to go to a baseball game i should be subject to rape if my team loses? war zone or not, those men are NOT in the war. they are working as contractors. THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO VIOLATE SOMEONE, male or female, and people that think like the previous poster only perpetuate the idea that women deserve what they get for putting themselves in harm's way. what a bunch of garbage.

khristina, I think that's a ridiculous comment. the idea that men can't help themselves. I think that's wrong and we should have a higher standard of behavior. Of course, this also lends credence to one of the stronger arguments against having private military contractors, is that they aren't as accountable when crimes like this occur.

As a man that's been there, I agree, Khristina. With all the raging testosterone pumping through the veins of our boys over there, it is NOT an ideal environment for women who have morals. When I was over there, there were actually female SOLDIERS prostituting themselves to make a buck and fill the need for "release". And they made a fortune! (and as long as they stick to doing just soldiers, there's minimal chance of disease.)No...combat zones are no places for ladies. Sorry if that offends any ERA advocates, but let common sense rule in this case. Keep our LADIES out of countries we are at war with!

These women aren't in the military. They are civilians. The military is supposed to protect civilians, not harm them.

This is just bigotry and racism run rampant under people who call themselves Christians but are just false prophets and descendants of Cain who have no respect for themselves, for others, nor for God.

Read the flippin' article! These women were CIVILIAN CONTRACTORS. Not military- a big difference.

Our military ability would be seriously curtailed if women did not serve.

ho hum... another day, another 3 republican/corporate scandal

khristina... perhaps the world you live in excludes women from war, but not the real world... do you know any women serving???? undoubtedly NO!... there are countless brave qualified gutsy women serving the oil corporation, er, i mean the USA in iraq

khristina, those women were NOT in the military. Regardless, I don't see how being a female in Iraq is "put[ting] themselves in a situation". Women get raped right here in the U.S. But at least here there is hope for a justice system. Should we just shut ourselves in our houses, wear burkas and chastity belts, and generally be paranoid? The fact is that a U.S. company, taking U.S. tax money, is covering up a heinous crime. They are accountable to U.S. laws, regardless of where they are.

Based on Khristina's comments I suppose that women can only expect not to be raped in a "perfect" world. It's easy to see how women can sometimes be construed as being their own worst enemies. Talk about blaming the victim. Maybe we could blame car crash victims for driving or plane crash victims for flying?

Well, its too bad for her... but is much worse the cover and the protections these peoeple get and being so hard to prosecute there... imagine, if they can rap her and get immunity; what other kind of kinky biznez could be done from people with that position over there. And remember: US Bush pretened to be the saviors in Iraq, but it more seems is an invation from vary points of view.

The real problem is that anyone, male or female, can anonymously accuse someone of rape, basically ruining that person's life whether the accusation is true or not. The accuser remains anonymous and is never subject to the proper vetting, while the accused's life is ruined, again, whether or not the allegation is true. In addition, the fact that these parties are SUING instead of prosecuting is a big red flag. How convenient that not only are they allowed to remain anonymous, but they are allowed to sue for a situation that may not have even been a crime. The stigma associated with the accusation is so great that the parties involved will probably settle, and again, *whether or not* the allegations are true. Do you get my drift? The criminal justice system should not allow one party of a given case, male or female, to remain anonymous.

khristina: as a woman you have no idea how your comment angered me! men need to learn SELF CONTROL!! your comment is just like the ideals that are pushed onto women in other countries--why are women forced by men to cover their bodies with sheets? cover themselves with full hijabs? Because the men think that if they see a woman skin, they might not be able to contorl their urges. Give me a break!

Stop blaming women when you cant keep your pants on!!

These women are just trying to make the President look bad. This is purely political. Remembmer the Duke Lacrosse case? These women should go to jail for trying to undermine our war effort with their lies!

I agree that it is unacceptable. KBR should be nailed to the wall. Men should be ashamed. I also, unfortunately, have to agree that it is guaranteed to happen in an environment like Iraq. In the military I hated the attitudes and pressures surrounding women everyday. there aren't enough words to describe how inappropriate it is. People are not good, and in a masculine fueled, war environment, men are going to find a way to hurt women. Not blaming the victim, just know it's the worst kind of environment and would not advise any woman I care about to go there.

That is the most ignorant statement I have heard in a long time, (including all those said by GWB). Stop defending testosterone filled goons by blaming the victim. You repulse me and give women a bad name.

I don't understand why allegations of rape must be referred to "arbitration." instead of being tried in court.

khristina you inquired; 'What do women think is going to happen to them when they put themselves in a situation such as Iraq?'
Is it not a woman's choice to serve her country? What is the negative regarding this? There is not one. Men are subject to rape and violence, just as women are. This is about power and control. Not sex. However, what is definitely interesting is that they are on the same team (USA). Of course, there is no justifying of any action (rape) of this sort; but it highlights the nature of the minds of some men; not all...when away from the homeland; away from laws. This is an issue of moral character. Yet, how can war be one of moral character?

I end with a quote from Sun Tzu, "War is based on deception."