Understanding a SNAFU of Epic Proportions

Michigan Senator Carl Levin is the chairman of the Armed Services Committee. He deals with a lot of very serious issues. Yesterday, he released the results of an investigation that revealed the United States military was hiring security firms in Afghanistan with ties to the Taliban. As I was listening to Senator Levin, I kept thinking he sounds like Danny DeVito. Same intonation pitch rhythm everything. And if Danny DeVito had been revealing that information it would probably seem funny. The point being, I'm not sure if we should laugh or cry. In one incident, according to the New York Times, U.S. Forces bombed a house believed to be the home of a Taliban leader. Turns out it was an Afghan security contractor who was meeting with his nephew, the Taliban leader. The word SNAFU is an old military acronym which stands for situation normal all fouled up. And this is a SNAFU of epic proportions.

Just a minute. I'm Harry Smith, CBS News.