Dear Dina
Dina,
I've tried to pay attention to the goings on with regard to the actions of
American troops in Iraq. I must say that I am quite disgusted with the
breakdown of human respect and utter lawlessness of our troops.
On the first point of respect, I find it hard to believe that someone in
good conscience could disgrace another human being in the ways that were
displayed on the television. There are no circumstances of which I am aware
that warrant such treatment of prisoners. While interrogation tactics are
part and parcel of the military exercise, there are limits and the threshold
of acceptable practice was crossed.
To the second point of lawlessness, how does the abhorrent behavior play
against the Geneva Conventions? I am a little unclear as to whether or not
a declaration of war is required for prisoners to be classified as prisoners
of war and thus to be afforded the protection of the Geneva Conventions. Did
the US congress sign a declaration of war? Even if they didn't, it
would still be prudent to abide by the spirit of the Conventions if not by
the letter. I also question whether or not other countries have provided
our troops the protection of the Geneva Conventions when they have been
captured during combat. Even so, if the USA does not take a stand and abide
by the Geneva Conventions, why should we expect other countries to abide by
it?
One further point...some of the soldiers accused of mistreatment and abuse
of prisons have stated that they were just following orders. Have they not
heard of the Nuremberg Trials? The excuse that, "I was just following
orders," just did not hold water. I am anxious to see what disciplinary
actions will be handed down to the responsible soldiers and officers.
Please let me know when you are free for lunch.
Have an incredible day!!
Michael Annas
I've tried to pay attention to the goings on with regard to the actions of
American troops in Iraq. I must say that I am quite disgusted with the
breakdown of human respect and utter lawlessness of our troops.
On the first point of respect, I find it hard to believe that someone in
good conscience could disgrace another human being in the ways that were
displayed on the television. There are no circumstances of which I am aware
that warrant such treatment of prisoners. While interrogation tactics are
part and parcel of the military exercise, there are limits and the threshold
of acceptable practice was crossed.
To the second point of lawlessness, how does the abhorrent behavior play
against the Geneva Conventions? I am a little unclear as to whether or not
a declaration of war is required for prisoners to be classified as prisoners
of war and thus to be afforded the protection of the Geneva Conventions. Did
the US congress sign a declaration of war? Even if they didn't, it
would still be prudent to abide by the spirit of the Conventions if not by
the letter. I also question whether or not other countries have provided
our troops the protection of the Geneva Conventions when they have been
captured during combat. Even so, if the USA does not take a stand and abide
by the Geneva Conventions, why should we expect other countries to abide by
it?
One further point...some of the soldiers accused of mistreatment and abuse
of prisons have stated that they were just following orders. Have they not
heard of the Nuremberg Trials? The excuse that, "I was just following
orders," just did not hold water. I am anxious to see what disciplinary
actions will be handed down to the responsible soldiers and officers.
Please let me know when you are free for lunch.
Have an incredible day!!
Michael Annas