Summary
THE accusations of abuse levelled against allied soldiers in Iraq are snowballing by the day. With this comes the danger that rational thought on the matter will become difficult. In fact, there are four separate issues to resolve. First, there are the acknowledged abuses that took place at the Abu Ghraib prison, which is under United States control. President Bush has apologised for these incidents, a full investigation has been carried out, the US head of the prison was fired in January, and the first courts martial of individual US jailers will soon take place in public. That is a serious beginning and helps re-establish the rule of law. However, the various internal investigative reports should be published in full, as transparency is paramount. There is also a strong case for Donald Rumsfeld and senior US officers to resign, given the catastrophic political damage that has been done.
Second, there are allegations of British troops in the field abusing Iraqi suspects and even shooting civilians in cold blood. Again, the best way forward is openness. The Red Cross report that makes these allegations should be published by the Ministry of Defence. The MoD's current reticence to do so cannot continue in the light of the gravity of the political situation and the loss of public confidence in the allied cause. Any substantial claims should be investigated promptly. Equally, where unfounded allegations have been made or faked evidence published, the government should take swift action to expose fraud and mendacity, including applying appropriate legal sanctions.See the full content of this document
Extract
Leader: Repairing the Damage
Third, the legal status of allied troops operating in Iraq should be clarified in order to protect soldiers doing their duty in difficult circumstances. Legal claims are being prosecuted against British soldiers under the European Convention o...
See the full content of this document
Sponsored links
