Maltreatment of Iraqi Prisoners
Saturday, May 08, 2004
The maltreatment of Iraqi prisoners by US soldiers is an evil for the individuals involved. But on a wider perspective, there is a good consequence from the publication of those prison abuse photos.
The revelations eliminate the oppressive fiction that the mighty are more respectable as individuals (remember the British with the Indians). The US can no longer strut the high moral ground as a people.
This brings focus to what they really have to offer: the chance of democracy. There will be foul behaviour - as long as we're talking about the human race. But the benefit of a free press is that when it's found out, it's exposed and it's rectified. Thus you are one step ahead - until the next scandal.
Far from perfection, but way ahead of the old Iraqi approach.
Philip O'Carroll