I think we should be really careful in telling apart real cases of civilians used as human shields from simple propaganda used against the enemies. Accusing the

I think we should be really careful in telling apart real cases of civilians used as human shields from simple propaganda used against the enemies. Accusing the enemy of using human shields is very handy for at least two purposes: de-humanising them and justifying a high number of civilian casualties. Also remember that in highly asymmetric warfare, clearly separating yourself from civilians effectively means hanging a target sign from your neck and asking to be killed. Those who have the most advanced technologies and weaponry at their disposal cannot be serious in asking that a poorly armed enemy fight on the same terms: a bit too cavalier when they have Kalashnikovs and you have semi-autonomous drones piloted from half the world away.