Apparently, 60 Minutes II got ahold of a dozen pictures of Iraqi prisoners being abused by U.S. troops. I can't find the pictures on-line, so here is how they are described:
Frankly, I am not surprised by the abuse, although I am surprised that some commander allowed pictures to be taken. I assume that mistreatment of prisoners is commonplace so long as the Red Cross or a news crew is not in sight.[One picture depicts] one Iraqi prisoner ... told to stand on a box with his head covered, wires attached to his hands. He was told that if he fell off the box, he would be electrocuted. ... [Others] show Americans, men and women in military uniforms, posing with naked Iraqi prisoners.There are shots of the prisoners stacked in a pyramid, one with a slur written on his skin in English.
In some, the male prisoners are positioned to simulate sex with each other. And in most of the pictures, the Americans are laughing, posing, pointing, or giving the camera a thumbs-up.
What is the Pentagon going to do about it? A very firm slap on the wrist is in order:
The investigation recommended administrative action against several of the commanders, which could include punishments up to relieving them of their commands, said the official, speaking on condition on anonymity.
Other reports say the transgressing soldiers may also receive a stern lecture.
It's interesting to compare and contrast a few quotes from March, 2003:
The Geneva Conventions on the humane treatment of those affected by war says prisoners of war must be protected "against acts of violence or intimidation and against insults and public curiosity." ...Iraq has broadcast images of five members of the Army's 507th Ordinance Maintenance Company personnel captured near an-Nasariyah on Sunday and two Army helicopter pilots taken captive when their Apache went down in a raid on Republican Guard positions near Baghdad Monday. ...
The United States has faulted Iraq for showing pictures of the prisoners of war, which the U.S. claims violates the Geneva Convention on treatment of POWs. Article 13 of the Convention bars any "humiliation" of prisoners. ...
President Bush said Sunday he expected that Iraq treat any prisoners "humanely, just like we'll treat any Iraqi prisoners."
Pentagon spokesperson Victoria Clarke has warned "those who harm POWs will be found and punished as war criminals. The Iraqi regime must allow the International Red Cross to see the prisoners." ...
The U.S. led coalition has taken about 4,000 Iraqis prisoner, and the Pentagon makes a point of contrasting their treatment with that given by the Iraqis to coalition troops. ...
The House resolution approved Thursday demands that Iraq obey the Geneva Conventions, condemns violations of those rules to date, and calls for the Red Cross to have access to Americans held captive.
I am sure Congress and the warbloggers will rise to the occasion and call for the American officers and soldiers who have abused these prisoners to be tried as war criminals.
No, I am not holding my breath.
What does that legally make the videos of a disheveled Saddam having someone poke around in his mouth shown around the world?
Posted by: rick pietz | April 30, 2004 at 12:18 PM