Donald Rumsfeld and Prisoner Abuse at Abu Ghraib Essay

Donald Rumsfeld and Prisoner Abuse at Abu Ghraib - Essay Example The Rumsfeld’s authority and capability to indict the war in Iraq was affected by many factors such as the political features of Bush administration and Capitol Hill, opinions and sentiments, and governments attachment’s, political attachments to the citizens of the United States and that of the foreign nations. The press played a vital role in spreading the issue to obtain worldwide attention and put US in public opinion for compromising the ethical values during the war and at the Abu Ghraib. Events and Issues Rumsfeld was called upon on May 7, 2004 by the Senate Armed Service Committee where his response to the question whether he should resign or not was â€Å"If I felt I could not be effective, I’d resign in a minute. I would not resign simply because people are trying to make a political issue out of it† (â€Å"Rumsfeld Speaks†, May 7, 2004). In the report the Antonio Taguba’s investigation results of on the issue over Abu Ghraib states down the whole issue by analyzing the each individual factor. He researches on the issue at wide going through the conditions at Abu Ghraib, the training given to the prison staff, the standard operating procedure at the prison, problems of prison crowding, and culture and accountability of the security personnel. ... However, the report on the abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib describes that soldiers deemed to have the power to impose cruel and ruthless punishment on the detainees in order to make them speak out. The issue came up into the light when images of cruel and inhumane punishments at Abu Ghraib, the prison once notorious for Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s cruelty to his own people were distributed among the public. A video with images of American soldiers brutally abusing the prisoners was released by CBS’s Sixty Minutes II (‘Army Probes POW Abuse’). The images depicted naked prisoners forced into sexual positions, others crawling on the floor, even some of them were handcuffed to other naked prisoners. The images further revealed prisoners standing with their arms secured above their heads for hours or days on end, and the soldiers threatening naked prisoners with military dogs and even worse wearing hoods and their genitals attached to electric wires. Many o f them were bruised, slashed and even shot to death. The media brought it to the public awareness worldwide through internet, television and radio shows. These reports evoked shocking and visceral reactions around the world. This issue arose the public reaction and volley of voices demanded answers. There were so many arguments on the actions of America and its image on the global scale. It also prompted many commentators like the CNN’s Larry King who asked, â€Å"Does someone big have to go?† The investigations proceedings were carried out by the assistance of LTG Ricardo S. Sanchez, Commander, Combined Joint Task Force Seven (CJTF – 7) into the allegations of detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib prison which was also known as the Baghdad Central Confinement Facility, under the provisions of the Army

Sunni-Shia Split Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sunni-Shia Split - Essay Example The U.S. should have supported the Shia Islam more than the Sunni Islam. This is because Sunni Arabs were more associated with Muslim extremists and the Al-Qa’Ida who considered outside powers as enemies and promoted values that were no in tune with world peace5. Al-Qa’Ida promotes monotheism and is against anyone who believes in polytheism6. It declares war on any individual who does not follow the Muslim religion. AQI viewed Shia as individuals who have rejected Islam and declared war on them7. Therefore, it is evident that Al-Qa’Ida should be stopped as they are against individualism and freedom. The U.S should lend help to individuals who are intent on driving AQI out as seen in the case of Amariyah whose new boss rebelled against AQI8. The Baath party was favored the Sunnis and ensured they took up positions of wealth and power9. The Shia Arabs are seen to be oppressed from several angles and would be the ones who would call for help as they do not promote values going against human right and freedom. The reign of Baath party saw that that the Shia did not enjoy higher living standards, prestigious education and jobs as the Sunni10. Sly, L. (2007). New Boss Turns the Tables on Al Qaeda Ex-Sunni Insurgent becomes U.S. Ally. Chicago Tribune, 22nd November 2007. Retrived Online