Stories of imprisoned Iraqis abused by their American guards have dominated media headlines for several days. The stories, which seem certain to be true, are disappointing. While we should wait for details to emerge from the official investigation before drawing conclusions, we must emphasize that America will not stand for abusive behavior.
Americans are no less susceptible to original sin than any other people. We are, however, privileged to live in a country with a culture that defines as wrong, the sort of prisoner abuse that seems to have occurred in Iraq. We are not immune from such acts of abuse- under combat circumstances no one is immune from such behavior- but our Judeo-Christian heritage provides us with proper context for reacting to such abuse when it occurs.
In Fallujah several weeks ago, Americans were killed and their bodies desecrated to much public celebration. The Iraqis responsible for this contemptible behavior roam freely. A small number of our soldiers have let down the cause of freedom by treating Iraqis as though they were beneath contempt. We can be proud that an investigation will reveal the extent of their wrongdoing, and we can be certain that those responsible will be punished. This is the difference between them and us, a difference that allows for hope that they may someday be like us.
Posted by publius at May 3, 2004 10:43 PM