They didn't know the rules

[Generator]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&e=13&u=/ap/20040430/ap_on_re_mi_ea/us_iraq_prisoner_abuse_3


WASHINGTON - The six U.S. soldiers facing courts-martial in connection with mistreatment of detainees at an Iraqi prison did not receive in-depth training on the Geneva Conventions, which govern the handling of captives, a military spokeswoman said Friday.

Those soldiers have been reassigned to other duties in Iraq (news - web sites), Col. Jill Morgenthaler said in an e-mail from Iraq. No courts-martial proceedings against them have taken place, she said.

It was unclear precisely what a suspension entails, or if it is the same as being formally relieved. Morgenthaler said she believed Karpinski had returned to the United States.


***

Should we scream or cry? They weren't trained, but you don't need to be trained to treat people like Human beings. Also, good to know they are being "punished"!!!!!!-other duties in Iraq.

[markomalley]

1. Back in the dim dark days...

...I got my first "LOAC" briefing in boot camp, annually whether I needed it or not, and prior to the beginning of any deployment. One can safely assume the same for them. I, to this day, remember how one is supposed to treat an EPW.

What was their excuse again???

[Vickers]

3. Exactly. Boot camp, annually, pre-deployment (with shots: YUMMY!)

I bet if I was at their CBPO I could pull their records and find in about 15 seconds where they had SIGNED a paper saying they knew about this stuff.

Amd even if they didn't, YOU JUST DON'T TORTURE PEOPLE, DUMBASS.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

2. scream

not trained in Geneva conventions, really? they also have never been to a church, or to an ethics class, or read a philosopher. my guess is not one of these people finished high-school.

I haven't ever served in the military, but i know the premise of the geneva conventions. It doesn't seem to really be something you need to be "trained" in. what a crock of shit. After looking at the pictures, one is left with the impression that you could train that cunt in Buddhism for 12 months and it wouldn't make a bit of difference.

[neverborn]

...

Is that word really necessary?

[Snoggera]

4. They were trained and informed

They chose not to listen to and follow.

The excuses being used are laughable. And, at the same time, eerily reminicent of an earlier time.

[DrWeird]

5. A brigadier general didn't know about the Geneva Convention?

I suppose that's as good an a excuse as "just following orders"

[Az]

6. When someone is convinced that someone is subhuman

You would be amazed at the things they can be made to do to them. This is how war is waged. We have a natural reluctance to hurt other people. We have a absolute resistance to kill other people. To overcome this you have to rewire people's minds. Its easier to simply convince them that they are superior to their enemy. Its a path old as history.

[bobthedrummer]

7. Who allowed Titan and CACI to "interrogate" Iraqis?

What role did DYN CORP. play in this, since they have the contract for Iraqi police and corrections?

How did these pictures end up on a porn website?

The administration of George W. Bush aka The War President employs these mercenaries with our tax money:grr:

[calimary]

8. No no no no no no no - sorry, that argument doesn't work.

You do NOT need a Geneva Convention to know that what was done to these prisoners was an abomination. I'm a civilian, I've never read all the Geneva Convention documents. Don't know the first thing about "the operational art" - and only a little of "The Art of War."

But even so uninformed, I know you JUST DON'T F-ing DO THIS STUFF TO FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I mean, GEE WHIZ!!!! Even the Golden Rule tells you THAT much. Dear God, what have we come to?

[yellowcanine]

9. Maybe they were thinking about Clinton's penis

and forgot the rules of basic human decency? It's worth a try.

[On the Road]

10. Imagine It Were True

Is it supposed to be an excuse?

If you drag someone behind your truck and drag them along the road, do you defend yourself by saying "oh gee, I didn't know it was against the law."?

:wtf:

And, as far as Bush being disgusted, these pictures were known inside the military in January. Another belated reaction.