"I don't mind if we kill them as combatants or medicate them to obtain INTEL, but it is inexcusable to rape them. There should be apologies and they should be compensated."
I'm with you.
I know many here will disagree with me but I would like to say that I am proud of the American government today, for holding this quick hearing, and of the Bush administration, for its reaction to what happened.
American society is unbelievably open; people up here comment on it, in favorable terms. They point to the 9/11 commission, and this inquiry, comparing it with how the Canadian government invariably covers up scandals. There are several royal commissions investigating one scandal after another but they are not open to the public and they never seem to get around to making their findings public.
If I recall correctly, the Royal Commission that was investigating hazing by the Canadian Air regiment in Somalia was disbanded.
Here's a link to an explanation of the Somalia incident:
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTM0010376 I find it amazing--and hopeful--that this hearing is being broadcast on Al Jazeera!
And as for the apology and the reparations--I'm sorry, but I'm proud of the Bush administration for owing up to mistakes, taking steps to correct it, and yes, attempting to make amends for depraved acts committed against prisoners.
The fact that barbarism happened in the past and still happens, sure, it could give us a reason or even an excuse to get down to their level, but the fact that our country is trying to raise the bar gives me hope for the future of humanity.