Graphic new Abu Ghraib photos

[lady cop]

NEW PICTURES FROM ABU GHRAIB SURFACE ON OZ TV...



*** VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED - GRAPHIC IMAGES *** be advised, these may be offensive to some.

[spot]

""When the original Abu Ghraib photographs were leaked to the press, members of Congress were given a private viewing of photographs, including the images which appear in this Dateline programme," SBS said. "

I wonder why the US government didn't release all of the footage at the one time, instead of leaving all this as a hostage to the future? Does anyone think the fuss in 2004 would have been any graver had it all been made public on one fell swoop? Does anyone think that this new release - of what appears to still be only a part of what was kept back - won't inflame the occupied territories?

[minks]

spot wrote: ""When the original Abu Ghraib photographs were leaked to the press, members of Congress were given a private viewing of photographs, including the images which appear in this Dateline programme," SBS said. "

I wonder why the US government didn't release all of the footage at the one time, instead of leaving all this as a hostage to the future? Does anyone think the fuss in 2004 would have been any graver had it all been made public on one fell swoop? Does anyone think that this new release - of what appears to still be only a part of what was kept back - won't inflame the occupied territories?


Or better yet, why release all this ever? When will it stop, are we forever going to blast ugliness against ugliness til the end of time??? This will now start up a fresh hatred and reason to retaliate. How do we stop this? Do we start by not reading about it, or not reacting to it. I have to say I heard on the news today our Prime Minister commended Canada's Muslim Community for not not reacting in a violent way lately in light of all this ugliness. YAY for Mr. Martin to actually acknowledge something good and something right done by this community. It is about time to good was pointed out, and set out there as a Darn fine example. Our Canadian Muslims should be beaming in my opinion for rising above this.

[spot]

minks wrote: Or better yet, why release all this ever?I think my implication is that there are many copies of the restricted Congress report out there among the press, and that it was folly to hold any of it back at the time since it was bound to be shown whenever tensions were inflamed, by journalists and newspapers who want sensational exclusives. And, assuming there's more, matters will continue that way.

[lady cop]

the photos do not reflect current conditions, but will nonetheless incite and inflame further tensions New Abu Ghraib images broadcast

[minks]

spot wrote: I think my implication is that there are many copies of the restricted Congress report out there among the press, and that it was folly to hold any of it back at the time since it was bound to be shown whenever tensions were inflamed, by journalists and newspapers who want sensational exclusives. And, assuming there's more, matters will continue that way.


Oh I don't dispute ya there Spot, it is idiotic timing and kind of like game playing..... "Ohhh we have tension lets really get it going and we will release more of what we have on hand" Dirty Childs Play if you ask me.

[Sheryl]

I agree definatly a wrong time to be displaying images from a year ago. The riots have just gotten worse from the cartoons. I dread what the fallout will be from these new images.

[spot]

lady cop wrote: the photos do not reflect current conditionsI wonder what gives you confidence in that statement, LC? At the time the photos were taken, you'd presumably have had the same confidence that "current conditions" didn't include torture and other illegal treatment within Iraqi prisons. The argument raging at the moment about extraordinary rendition, and the lack of transparency associated with those ongoing official US denials and backtrackings, suggests that there's still a great deal being hidden that involves similar acts on prisoners held at some point in custody by the US.

[Uncle Kram]

These images only put further lives in jeopardy. Those responsible for abuse should reflect on the fact that their fellow servicemen and servicewomen are at a much greater risk now.

This is something that those who release these images should consider too.

Hey - why don't we just give them all the propaganda they need on a plate?

[minks]

Uncle Kram wrote: These images only put further lives in jeopardy. Those responsible for abuse should reflect on the fact that their fellow servicemen and servicewomen are at a much greater risk now.

This is something that those who release these images should consider too.

Hey - why don't we just give them all the propaganda they need on a plate?


No kidding, you hit the nail on the head there Kram..... when did common sense end?

[spot]

Uncle Kram wrote: These images only put further lives in jeopardy. Those responsible for abuse should reflect on the fact that their fellow servicemen and servicewomen are at a much greater risk now.

This is something that those who release these images should consider too.The potential for death extends a long way beyond those patrolling the streets of Iraq, I'd have thought.

The question of why these videos and pictures appeared publicly this month, after having been around for years within political and military circles, is an interesting one. The answer is inaccessible, but I don't find coincidences at this level totally convincing.

The usual approach is to ask who benefits. Well, we're coming up to the traditional time of the year for striking new countries. Iran seems to be on the menu at the moment, well simmered. If someone internal to these matters wanted to deter or postpone attack by flooding Middle Eastern and European streets with anti-war rhetoric and demonstrations, the release of the material to the press was timely indeed. Maybe there really are splits and dissentions within the corridors of power. Their next step might be releasing more internal documentation, in the style of Daniel Ellsberg. Although the NY Times and Washington Post wouldn't touch it with a bargepole these days, the Internet makes a good substitute for publication.

[Sheryl]

The ACLU has sued and the first judge ruled in thier favor, that the pictures and other evidence should be handed over.

http://www.aclu.org/intlhumanrights/gen ... 60215.html

This is the link to the article. I still think it was bad timing on releasing the photos.

[lady cop]

salon.com published more of the photos today, warning, they are extremely disturbing.

[Ruth]

I would like to see this horror getting the same degree of international publicity and sense of outrage:

http://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/archive/n301003_6.htm

Similar horror stories have taken place in Iran.