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Not only is the desecration of a corpse a violation of military law, it is unacceptable behavior. Nihad Awad, the national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations stated, “the video shows behavior that is totally unbecoming of American military personnel.”

Similarly, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta stated that the Marines’ behavior is “entirely inappropriate for members of the United States military” and “utterly deplorable.” He added, “those found to have engaged in such conduct will be held accountable to the fullest extent.”

The thoughtless action and comments of the Marines depicted in the video is not only disrespectful, but it is also inhumane. The devaluation of another human being, dead or alive, in such a manner, even and especially in wartime, reflects badly on the character of those committing the act. Certain standards of behavior must be met, standards these particular Marines were far from meeting.

The person who initially posted the video on YouTube commented on the post: “i thought Marines were suppose to do the right thing when no one is watching.”

Reach Senior Opinion Editor Cara Palmer here or follow her on Twitter.