Gen. Petraeus Warns Against Using Torture

[RamboLiberal]

Source: Washington Post

The top U.S. commander in Iraq admonished his troops regarding the results of an Army survey that found that many U.S military personnel there are willing to tolerate some torture of suspects and unwilling to report abuse by comrades.

"This fight depends on securing the population, which must understand that we -- not our enemies -- occupy the moral high ground," Army Gen. David H. Petraeus wrote in an open letter dated May 10 and posted on a military Web site.

He rejected the argument that torture is sometimes needed to quickly obtain crucial information. "Beyond the basic fact that such actions are illegal, history shows that they also are frequently neither useful nor necessary," he stated.

The survey also found that problems such as anxiety and depression deepen with the length and frequency of tours of duty, a notable conclusion because thousands of U.S. troops recently had their tours extended from 12 to 15 months. "Stress caused by lengthy deployments and combat is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign that we are human," wrote Petraeus, who is on his third Iraq tour.



Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/10/AR2007051001963.html?hpid=topnews

[babylonsister]

1. It's a little late for that, no? He has to 'remind' people? What are they

taught in basic?

[TexasLawyer]

2. we -- not our enemies -- should occupy the moral high ground

Good words, but they are very hard to live up to. Still I am glad he is saying this to his troops.

[Peace Patriot]

3. I agree! It's good to hear SOMEBODY in this regime encourage lawful and moral

behavior.

The invasion and occupation of Iraq is an unspeakably vile war crime, and I have no sympathy for any general who would participate in it. But the Bush Junta has gone so far off the cliff of immorality, that it is a relief to hear the Geneva Conventions and our human rights ideals even mentioned. Just a bit of decorum helps, amidst this horror, even if it is hypocritical, given what the US has done in that country, and is still doing.

[ShortnFiery]

4. Unfortunately, International Law is "quaint" to The President and AG, it makes no difference.

If moral behavior is not realized from The Top Down, rationalization for torture and gang activity by our Military will continue.

May the Good Lord have mercy on America's tainted soul. :cry:

[AnneD]

5. Real military men...

not Chicken hawks (with S&M tendencies)have opposed torture from day 1. It does not get you accurate info and puts the captured soldier at risk. The Geneva Convention rules have always been clear on what constitutes torture-even if our CIC (Chimp in Charge) couldn't read them on his pocket hand out.

[tabasco]

6. He wrote a letter and posted it on a website????!!!??

Why doesn't the asshole go down to the units and TELL the troops in person to OBEY the LAW.

That's what leaders are supoosed to do. But Betrayus is a neocon shill who sits in the Green Zone like the Viceroy of Iraq.

[The Stranger]

7. Is General Betray-us still caucusing with the GOP?