Sunday, September 03, 2006
MISSILE STORY X (UPDATED - INCLUDES PIC)
Dan Riehl has second thoughts on the Red Cross ambulance story after reading Sarah Smiles’ report in the Age and reviewing video footage. Powerline’s John Hinderaker isn’t convinced by Riehl’s latest post. Unhelpfully, the Age doesn’t run any image of the ambulance in question online.
I think I know why. I’ve got a print copy of the paper in front of me. Only one photograph accompanies the article (this below the ridiculous headline “Ambulance attack evidence stands the test”). The “huge hole” Smiles describes is in fact only about twice the size of the vent hole on ambulance 782. The vehicle’s roof is caved in, as with 782—so much for a concussive force within—and there are similar scattered holes and abundant rust. But, unlike 782, the red paint of the cross is cracked and split with age and faded down to a weak pink; this unit looks very old. Also, there are five closely-grouped holes on the cross itself which could be the result of small-arms fire. Page 16 of Saturday’s Age, if anyone wishes to scan the image. Meanwhile, UPI reports:
A news photo that circulated worldwide of a Lebanese ambulance hit by an Israeli missile was a hoax, the Israeli Arutz Sheva broadcaster said Thursday.
UPDATE. Here’s the Age‘s photograph (courtesy of David P.):
UPDATE II. From the video supplied to ITV, an image of the interior. Note all the limb-cauterising fire damage:
(Again, via David P.)
UPDATE III. USS Neverdock:
The photograph the Age uses to bolster its case is even worse than the original. When in a hole, don’t dig.