White House Condemns Photos of Military, Corpses

According to the Los Angeles Times, the photos that have caused the latest embarrassment for U.S. forces in Afghanistan were provided by a soldier who believed they reflected a breakdown in leadership and discipline.

The photos purport to show U.S. troops posing with the bodies of dead insurgents. The conduct is being condemned by top U.S. civilian and military officials.

White House spokesman Jay Carney says the conduct does not represent the standards of the U.S. military. Carney says the president believes the situation needs to be investigated and those responsible should be held accountable.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told reporters he "strongly condemns" the behavior exhibited in the photos and encouraged a strong investigation, which is already under way.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)