In making restitution payments to families of the recently murdered Afghan civilians, the Obama administration acted in strict accordance with Afghan custom. Not only are such transgressions traditionally compensated by payments of money, but the payments must be made specifically by the head of family or tribe.
In this circumstance, that would be President Barack Obama; payment by anyone of less authority likely would have been considered an insult. Fortunately, the president’s advisors knew the correct protocol. This information would be available online and elsewhere to anyone caring to be informed.
Joyce Fahnestock
Ridgefield
