operations commander, who called in the air strike, never put his eyes on the target, didn't see the target, and that is absolutely required under the rules of engagement. and there were so many problems with the aircraft itself. many of its electronic, critical to combat operations, had been knocked out, or were just not working properly. and the crew aboard that ac-130 never properly identified the target. now, here is what is at the crux of the matter, i believe. those ac-130s, are not supposed to be called in for air strikes, unless they are there to defend and protect u.s. military forces or afghan forces that are under attack and being overrun by the taliban or other militants. there was no fight under way. and those crew members aboard that ac-130 could see that. in fact, senior u.s. officials tell nbc news that the cockpit recordings, audio tapes, inside that c-130 reveal that some of