The images below prove claims US soldiers had forced Abu Ghraib detainees into rape and homosexuality. Writing "I am a rapeist" on the leg of one victim, and you can decide for yourself what is oozing from the mouth of one detainee (saliva isn't THAT white, or THAT thick, is it?):

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More Abu Ghraib photos released straight after the video of UK soldiers beating 4 Iraqi teenagers to a pulp is released, interesting timing. While on the topic of Abu Ghraib and Human Rights abuse here's a little about the Geneva Conventions (to which the United States of America is a signatory, as is The United Kingdom).

The Geneva Conventions provide protective laws not just for civilians and prisoners of war, but for those held as "spies", political criminals and ANYONE NOT ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN ARMED WARFARE. Including those formerly involved in "resistance", official armed forces, militia's and "insurgent groups"; who have been detained or downed weapons. Here's the paragraph which matters regarding who is protected under Geneva Conventions:

Persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of armed forces who have laid down their arms and those placed hors de combat by sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse distinction founded on race, colour, religion or faith, sex, birth or wealth, or any other similar criteria. [source]

Thus terrorism related or not, the actions at Abu Ghraib and on the recent bashing video are internationally outlawed, and those responsible legally international criminals. The perpetrators and the superiors allowing these actions to happen should be forced to face the International War Crimes Tribunal. These actions are not the "decisions of a few", they are representative of a whole culture of masculinity, egotism and hostility which is dominant within the US military.

This "thug" culture is not only the result of military doctrine, but also a result of complacency in the general public regarding such actions and attitudes (the kind of attitude that says "Hey, if it's not directed at me who cares?"). It is also the responsibility of the media for idolising soldiers in war films, who are so often depicted as ignorant, brutish- "Jarhead" is even a movie about US troops in Iraq. The United Nations, Military Police and Human Rights Activists have all failed to contain this culture, let alone counter-act it.

Now it's the blogosphere's turn- we either fight to stop this culture, we spread the truth and break this complacency and ignorance by showing the world in it's real light; realistically, truthfully and with passion... Or we join the list of those who failed or given up on this fight.

The choice is ours; and I damn well know which choice I made.

[olivebranch out]

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