I think your analysis is pretty right on. It sort of goes along with some of the reports from Gitmo. Using contractors avoids unpleasant realities like the Geneva Convention. Rules for armies, but not for private companies, so they can do what they want, until they get caught. I gather, under the new rules, that not even the general was allowed down there; yet, it is her responsibility. Ultimately, rightly or wrongly, this stops with the Commander. (Truman said the buck stops here,Shrub says send me a buck).
I'm used to seeing this sort of stuff done by the Nazis and the Japanese, the North Vietnamese, the KGB,Stazi, etc. I'm sure it has been done occasionally by us (at the very least, we looked away when the S. Vietnamese would throw uncooperative VC out of helicopters), but I don't recall hearing any thing of this magnitude.
So, were they better off with Saddam? I sure am beginning to think so.
Rat |
