Steve, if the test was whether a violation of the Geneva Convention saved lives, and if it did then a violation could be considered justified, then there would be no Geneva Convention protections. Torture to get a prisoner to talk always provides information that might be life saving in quality. In the bigger picture, however, we've agreed not to use those methods. Interestingly, when the Iraqis had our POWS, it turns out that they really treated them much better than the Colonel treated his prisoner.
The fact that the Japanese and Germans treated our prisoners much worse than we treated theirs has always been a source of pride for America, not shame. It's one of the reasons why the world trusted Americans and believed in the strength of our ideals. If you want to lead the world to a better place, you shouldn't violate rules of war which are designed to place limits on even the barbarism of war.
No one has suggested that the officer should go to prison. As I read the article, he has been given a choice of resigning short of retirement or a military trial with some unknown penalties in the offing. I suspect that the "other side of the story" may have a few details that the colonel forgot to mention. Maybe they might have to do with what is meant by "physicality." Maybe they have to do with a series of such incidents. I suspect that this story goes beyond what he provided as the facts but even if it doesn't, he deserves to be punished in some form and the U.S. must make it clear that we will not tolerate the torturing of prisoners, especially by a field grade officer.
I can't imagine a rule of engagement that required permission to return fire. Isn't it amazing what remfs can think of from the safety of air conditioned offices while their men are getting zipped into bags? We were always in free fire zones and working deep in nva jungle. If something moved and it was human, you could be sure it was not friendly; I'm grateful that we never had to make the judgement calls that some have so much trouble living with today. Take care Steve. Ed |
