Not that it matters buttttt...( Bush should publically apologize for torture scandle)

[Epidemic]

Bush should clearly state that we regret the actions of our soldiers and heads will roll (this appology should be targeted at the arab world.)

Not that it would change many minds but I think it is important to at least say it.

[MTAtech]

I voted NO. Although the Prez is responsible for policy, he can't possibly know (and this one knows less than most) what every enlisted person is doing. However, he should swifty move for court marshalls for soldiers and criminal charges if they were non-mil.

[ben-the-slacker]

I think he said he was disgusted at what they did. I don't think it's necessary for him to apologize, but if this happens again, it's gonna be really bad PR.

[Theophylact]

I think Henry Farrell at Crooked Timber has this just right: What's needed is an apology, and what we're getting is an apologia.

Many of the condemnations, including George W. Bush’s statement, seem to me to be either complete disclaimers of responsibility, or non-apology apologies. By implying or stating that these are the actions of a small group of individuals, who will be duly punished, they’re saying that there isn’t any wider problem, nor any need for those who weren’t directly involved, or supervising those directly involved to take responsibility. They’re not so much apologies as apologias - speeches for the defence.

The problem is, that the abuse and torture at Abu Ghraib do indeed seem to be symptomatic of a more general problem. The individuals who are involved are claiming that the problem extends high up the chain of command. They too are very likely trying to pass the buck - but there’s good evidence to suggest that they’re telling the truth. The US has unquestionably and undeniably loosened its strictures on the use of torture post-September 11. Usually, however, it has subcontracted out the nasty bits. As described by the (pro-war, pro-war on terror) Economist

[John Prophet]

British officials are expressing doubt as to the truth of the pics http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/...tos/index.html

[Epidemic]

Originally posted by MTAtech
I voted NO. Although the Prez is responsible for policy, he can't possibly know (and this one knows less than most) what every enlisted person is doing. However, he should swifty move for court marshalls for soldiers and criminal charges if they were non-mil.

I do not believe that president Bush should take responsibility. I believe that he should apologize for act in general.

"I (president G.W. Bush) am personally horrified that our representatives would act in such a disgusting manner. I will make sure that heads roll for the transgressions against the prisoners held under our care who were wronged. These acts were not in keeping with our morals. And such acts are deterimental to our ulitimate goal of a human rights based government. Let me state with the hardest words of condemnation and contempt for the actions performed by a small fraction of wrong doers within the ranks of our military. We are sorry for the actions of these few who have affected so many so deeply, they will de dealt with in the harshest manner and weaknesses in place which allowed for such actions will be corrected."

something akin to that.

[Theophylact]

Originally posted by John Prophet
British officials are expressing doubt as to the truth of the pics http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/...tos/index.html

But the Mirror, and the soldiers who provided the photos, are sticking by the story.

I'm hardly surprised that "officials are expressing doubt". That's what officials do when the news is bad.

typo fixed

[Bovon]

Could all of this (or at least..some of this) be an elaborate hoax?

Doubts over UK 'abuse' pictures

http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/...tos/index.html

Monday, May 3, 2004 Posted: 9:56 AM EDT (1356 GMT)

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Doubts are growing over the authenticity of photographs that allegedly show British troops mistreating an Iraqi prisoner.

Some British military officials have cast doubt on the pictures -- first published in the Daily Mirror newspaper -- saying the clothing and equipment pictured is not currently troop issue.

But military and photographic experts have pointed out a series of inaccuracies and inconsistencies, suggesting the pictures were fakes.


Could all of this be designed to embarrass the US and England?..if so, then any apology by Bush or Blair would have served it purpose.

[Epidemic]

I believe that at least some of the abuses are valid and actually took place.

The US military was already investigating incidents of abuse. So some of the pictures may be faked but I have little doubt that many of them are actual representations of some incidents in prison. If so I think that there was even one incident then the apology is required. Even if the accusations are false I believe you need to present tremendous proof or apologize. Because we are dealing with perception of the arab world. apologizing is cheep.

[minduka]

"If we find out in a week's time or four week's that they're not authentic -- it doesn't matter -- the whole Arab world have seen them and it is turning Arab opinion against the forces in Iraq and that can only do immense damage to those troops trying to do the best they can," Nichol told CNN

I agree that if this was "real" Bush would not have known about it, he's too busy checking out his plan to prevent all cloning related acitivites or trying to make a utopia on Mars

[edit]

he should begin apologizing for invading iraq and taking control of their nation (including the oil)