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Richard Cochrane is trained in chemistry and metallurgy but is far more interested and practiced as a political and fund raising consultant, writer and amateur historian. He grew up in a Navy family and with his two younger brothers carried on its 500+ year tradition of naval service to Great Britain and the USA then enjoyed a career with one of the largest advertising and public relations agencies working with numerous Fortune 500 companies and many of America's premier educational institutions. He maintains friendships and acquaintanceships around the world. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

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DOD Find Reporter’s Fatal Shooting Justified - Reuters Agrees

June 17th, 2008 • Richard Cochrane
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Reuter’s Reporter Death Justified - Agencies Agree

An 82-page report, by the Defense Department’s inspector general says the 2005 fatal shooting of a Reuter’s Journalist in a Baghdad combat zone was justified because troops thought his black camera lens sticking out of a car window and pointed at them was a rocket launcher and opened fire.

Reuters Editor-in-Chief David Schlesinger said he believes the inspector general took the case seriously and came up with positive recommendations. He said will examine its safety procedures, and noted, “Better training for journalists and for the military, clear rules of engagement and a closer dialogs are essential in order to prevent further tragedies occurring.”

Those involved in the death of a sound man and wounding of a photo journalist said they regret it but when you only have three seconds to stop a rocket from being fired at you have to react quickly. The U. S. troops were reacting to a call for help from Iraqi police who were under attack, and the journalist’s car was being driven as if it were occupied by terrorists.

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