Editorial: Money does not equate to atonement

COMPENSATION is not nearly enough to start to rectify the horrific bombing of the Medecins Sans Frontieres, (Doctors Without Borders), hospital in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz.

MSF says 33 people are still missing after the October 3 attack which saw an AC-130U gunship open fire on the orders of US command to support Afghan troops on the ground.

Calls have been made for the International Criminal Court to investigate the airstrike on the hospital that killed 12 staff and 10 patients.

The assault on the medical facility needs to be investigated as a war crime.

There is some discrepancy as to how close Taliban forces were to the hospital, making it a target. However, it shouldn't matter - US rules of engagement rule out fighting in a protected civilian facility, such as the hospital.

As well as the casualty numbers, the air strike has destroyed a vital medical facility in one of the most war-torn parts of the world. There can be no excuse, the hospital was well known and was not a legitimate target.

Three separate probes have been set up by the US military, Nato and Afghan officials. US President Barack Obama has apologised to MSF and the Pentagon has announced compensation to those killed and injured.

But the loss may have ramifications down the line, going much further than even the senseless destruction of a much-needed medical facility.

If America wants to be seen as the good guy, it can't act with impunity. Apologies and compensation just don't cut it with vulnerable young people looking elsewhere for a future. Such actions are just ammunition for the jihadis.