Fischer Arrives in Washington Amid Anger Over Iraqi Prisoner Abuse

Deutsche Welle ^ | 11 May 2004 | DW Staff (mry)

[An.American.Expatriate]

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer arrived in Washington on Monday for a three-day visit expected to focus on developments in Iraq as criticism mounts in Germany over the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. forces.

In a further sign of warming transatlantic ties in recent months, Fischer became the latest German leader to pay a visit to the U.S. capital on Monday evening.

His visit -- expected to focus on developments in Iraq and the planned handover of power next month to an interim Iraqi administration in Baghdad -- however comes at a tense time. As the scandal over the apparent systematic human rights abuses by U.S. forces in Iraqi prisons widens with the publication of new photographs of torture, anger is growing in Germany at the perceived lapses of the American military as well as the Bush administration.

Fischer, who will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice during his visit, is under pressure to make clear the German displeasure to his hosts. Over the weekend, Fischer made his first critical comments over the affair when he told the German weekly news magazine Spiegel, "Those responsible for this humiliation and abuse must be investigated and punished."

Schily: "Abuse, a serious blow"

Ahead of Fischer's arrival in Washington on Monday, German Interior Minister Otto Schily together with German Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries -- also currently in the U.S. capital -- minced no words in conveying their outrage at the torture scandal.

Schily told reporters the graphic photographs of American soldiers abusing naked Iraqi prisoners at the Abu Ghraib prison outside Baghdad were "a heavy setback for the battle against terrorism" because they dealt a serious blow to efforts to win hearts and minds in the Islamic world.

"Repairing the damage will pose serious difficulties," Schily said. "This matter must be dealt with, and a clear signal must be sent. I don't think one can simply say one is sorry and then go back to business as usual," Schily said.

Zypries urged the U.S. to sign up to the International Criminal Court and stressed that the abuse of human rights by occupation forces in Iraqi prisons demonstrated how important the battle "for the globalization of basic rights" was. She insisted that the events in Iraq "could not be justified by anything."

Treading lightly?

However, Fischer may be loath to be too openly critical of the United States, as his visit comes only two months after German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder was invited to the White House to mend ties with U.S. President George Bush. Schröder and Fischer strongly opposed the U.S.-led war in Iraq, angering Bush and distancing Berlin from Washington.

Fischer will also likely discuss Rice's plans to come to Berlin in two weeks to meet with German and Russian officials. While in the German capital she will also hold talks with Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei, which will be Washington's highest level contacts with the Palestinian Authority in almost a year. Whether Fischer will play a role is unclear, but he has been seen as an honest broker between Israel and the Palestinians in the past.

At the end of the week, Fischer will take part in preparatory talks in Washington for the upcoming G-8 summit in June. German Interior Minister Otto Schily and Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries will also attend the meeting to discuss international efforts in the war against terrorism.

[An.American.Expatriate]

[Justice Minister] Zypries urged the U.S. to sign up to the International Criminal Court and stressed that the abuse of human rights by occupation forces in Iraqi prisons demonstrated how important the battle "for the globalization of basic rights" was. She insisted that the events in Iraq "could not be justified by anything."

No way baby! The US Military Justice System workes just fine and we don't need a bunch of third world despotic judges to tell us what is right and wrong.

[MEG33]

Pray the president can keep his cool!

Germany's adminstration has been so very fair and balanced toward the President/sarcasm.

[Michael81Dus]

This is Americas chance to prove your words!

[An.American.Expatriate]

Yes I agree, the thoughtful way that Schroeder & Co. have dealt with the Iraq situation is a model of diplomacy!! [/end regurgitation]

Actually, I wish the Dubya would finally tell this little POS Terrorist lover to go to . . .

[An.American.Expatriate]

Hey Michael! Haven't seen you around for a while.

This is Americas chance to prove your words!

America has proven my words time and time again. Why is it that you [meaning all the doubters] need further proof?

[Michael81Dus]

I´m outrageous. I´m terribly angry. Yes, I´m really really really pi..ed.

I mean, the administrations in London and Washington have lied, at least the intel did, which is proven, and I doubt that the heads of states didn´t know the truth. And I was dumb enough to believe them that Iraq had WMD. Saddam probably had some indeed, but he wasn´t that dangerous that one could not delay the mission for a year (yes, another time).

Now that the WMD were no reason for the war, Blair and Bush should have played the card "mass-murderer". But they didn´t.

And even after the liberation of Iraq, the winners show almost no different behaviour than the former regime. British and American civilian companies do what they want to do in this country, dozens of soldiers and intel personnel treat Iraqi prisoners as if they were human trash or rats. On the other side, at least thousands of Iraqis embrace terrorism and intend to kill the coalition forces.

Can please somebody show me up what went actually good in this occupied country?

I am angry, because I feel betrayed, and I´m sure many soldiers serving down there feel betrayed, too. They´re at risk and then some MP´s make the whole da-n thing worse. Sure, Bush wants to do the right for his country ("America first!") - but I´m convinced that good intentions aren´t enough sometimes.

The only exit I can see now is to punish the offenders, cooperate with the UN (yes, you guys shouldn´t underestimate the power of symbols) and the moderate Iraqis. These people need to learn that a democratic and free society serves their economy and therefore their society at best. I´m sure that the people of Iraq will never trust America as long as you stand there with your coalition. You need Egyptian and Turkish forces = you need Muslim soldiers.

I´m very disappointed about the last year and sceptical regarding Iraqs future. I wish you good luck, you´ll need it!!

Michael

[Michael81Dus]

I mean that this is your chance to show the proof to all doubters in the world, now that the spotlight is on you.

[DustyMoment]

However, Fischer may be loath to be too openly critical of the United States . . .

Fischer would be well advised to keep his yap shut. I still have a seething, angry recollection of him lecturing Powell at the UN during the run-up to the Iraq War. It would please me greatly for him to be denied access to the US by Immigration and Customs for openly supporting terrorists and the terrorism they producing.

Fischer is a pathetic little popinjay and deserves to be put in his place. Hopefully, Powell will be the one to put him there.

[Michael81Dus]

Pardon, Germany´s openly supporting terrorists? Did I get that right??

[Caipirabob]

cooperate with the UN (yes, you guys shouldn´t underestimate the power of symbols) and the moderate Iraqis.

I don't know what your news sources are, I can only assume they are as accurate as our alphabet networks.

We've attempted to bring the UN into Iraq. First before the war, with the enforcement of their own resolutions, which they rejected. Then several times over the course of the war, which they consistently rebuffed again and again.

Now the news of the "Oil for Food Scam" is breaking and we all know how the UN stole food from the very mouths of Iraqi children to let them starve and die under the tyranny of Saddam. The Iraqis themselves do not want he UN there, they know the truth as much as any of us. Cooperating with this den of thieves would be a harsh turn of events for the free Iraqis. It would be turning them over to be raped and pillaged by a group of greedy third world Socialists. The moderate Iraqis deserve better than this after Saddam.

I don't think the UN troops would be welcome at all in Iraq. I think they would be in greater danger than the US coalition troops (As Saddam's forces can smell weakness). Personally I don't think UN troops would be safe anywhere. Perhaps this is for the best.

The sooner we can snuff this pathetic Socialist-infested money hole called the United Nations, the better this planet will be. Good Socialists don't waste air.

[DustyMoment]

Yep!

[An.American.Expatriate]

I mean, the administrations in London and Washington have lied, at least the intel did, which is proven,

Please show me the proof! All I have seen are allegations. In the words of a famous politician "I am not convinced!"

Furthermore, there is ample evidence that Saddam was in the process of developing WMD's and that at least some of what he had was shipped to Syria and Lybia during the run-up to the war.

The only exit I can see now is to punish the offenders, cooperate with the UN (yes, you guys shouldn´t underestimate the power of symbols) and the moderate Iraqis.

1. The offenders are scheduled for Military Justice. Previous offenders in Iraq have already been disciplined. Any future offenders will be punished.
2. The US has been trying to get the rest of the UN to cooperate for quite a while now - but it seems the UN has had "other plans" for Iraq (Kickback Scandals, etc)
3. The Coalition has been cooperating with all parties in Iraq which are willing to cooperate.

It seems your "exit strategy" is exactly what the coalition is / has been doing all along!!

[An.American.Expatriate]

I mean that this is your chance to show the proof to all doubters in the world, now that the spotlight is on you.

And I say again that America has ALWAYS upheld these principles in the past - whether the spotlight was on us or not - the proof is there for anyone willing to acknowledge it. All the international calls for "justice" simply plant the seed of doubt again. The US was investigated and responding to internal and external allegations of crimes LONG BEFORE the media, domestic and international politicians were even aware that the incidents occurred.

[Michael81Dus]

UN soldiers are national soldiers with blue helmets. It´s not a question wether they´re be welcomed by the terrorists (who are no longer Saddams, but Osamas and Al-Sadr´s followers, I believe), but by the people. The Iraqis surely would show more kindness towards fellow-Muslims than to the ´evil´ Christians.

Of course, our liberal media has completely ignored the oil for food scandal. I know zero about it.

As far as I´m concerned, the trials to cooperate with the UN before and after the war were not that whole-heartly. Espcially the time after the war. Give them an invitation to take control and promise you will stay in Iraq with them as long as necessary. It all depends on the negotiations. The rules of engagement can be quite tough and don´t need to be weak.

Combining all my thoughts, I think the US should definitely do more to win the hearts of the people. Obviously, all you did before was not enough. To make no mistake: I don´t call for less security or less troops. Do the one and don´t miss the other.

[Michael81Dus]

When, where and how?? You know that you need to prove that government officials supports terrorism, do you? The actions of individuals with German citizenship or residence permit is not sufficient, except the German state knew of terrorist activities and did nothing.

[longjack]

Last fall Schroeder spontaneously announced to an unexpecting Germany that Germany would allow the sale of the Hanau plutonium processing plant to China.

The history of this plant is very relevant to Fischer, ironically.

Fischer led the high-profile protest against the opening of the plant in the 80's, parlaying that exposure to a seat in Hesse's state government, and eventually into federal government. Fischer's protests resulted in the owner, Siemens, not even opening the plant, and mothballing it.

Fischer, however, allowed Schroeder to carry through with the intention to sell it last fall, reacting only with a Daschle-like, deeply saddened statement, and infuruating his own Green party, the minor coalition partner which allows Schroeder's SPD to hold power.

The breathtaking hypocrisy in this matter transcends any of the 'Fischer was a terrorist' argument, AFIAC.

The power plant transfer is on hold, now, and may not take place, but through Fischer's actions on the matter, the extent (or lack) of the depth of his integrity has been recorded for posterity.

Fischer's hypocrisy precludes him from making any moral statements about any issue.

My 2 cents.

longjack

[An.American.Expatriate]

I'm sorry Michael, but when confronted by three entities which utterly refuse to "cooperate" in any way, two of whom have veto power, what exactly should the US have done differently before/during/or after the war? Give them control?? They refused the offer of cooperation! Furthermore, the UN record of "building nations" has been far from good. Look simply to Kosovo for a prime example. AFAIK, the UN has not sucessfully accomplished ONE - EVER! Why should the coalition go there again? "Image"??

[MEG33]

We had a part of the prison that bad things happened in.We had a soldier go to his superiors and report he had seen some pictures of the abuse, a far ranging investigation was started, 7 are held for court martial. The Commander,who ran a sloppy and undiscipined command has been relieved of duty. The investigation and its findings are posted on this site. The UN did not do the investigation,we did. The President of the US has offered deep regret to the arab countries, we continue the investigation. Our Secy. of defense has apologized.


The investigation was announced in January, again in March.There were no pictures shown,therefore it was ignored by the press. In our justice system, even the guilty have a right to a fair trial, so evidence is not released,such as the pictures. I deplore the abuse that took part in the section that housed the insugents that were planting bombs that killed many Iraqis and soldiers.

You have made several damning accusations. I guarantee you that the President thought there were WMD there. Our soldiers wern't wearing stifling chemical protection suits in very extreme heat to lend credibility to our side.

So you continue your outrage. We'll solve the problem, punish those responsible and move on. We have not bled and died to please the naysayers. We are paying a very heavy price. Those who do not get involved have nothing to fear, nothing to sacrifice, cannot find themselves in a big scandal of abuse, can criticize and judge.They have risked nothing. If we succeed, they benefit without cost. If we,through loss of support, lose, they lose,too.

We are going to try to enable a just government in Iraq. Look at the videos of what Saddam did and the mass graves of hundreds of thousands and listen to the tales of those tortured ,read a few Iraqi blogs. We are providing medical care for 7 businessmen whose hands were amputated because Saddam blamed them for a bad economy. See the prosthetic hands we are supplying for them in Houston,Texas.We are not a perfect people but we are trying to enable that part of the world a chance at someting no country in that part of the world has...a representative,just government.

I love America.If we are wrong ,we chastise ourselves,try to correct it .We are strong enough to take a hit. We do not accept unjust accusations.

[Michael81Dus]

No argument here. Fischer - and the whole government - is finished. I cannot understand why people still praise him. For what?
On the other hand, the other foreign ministers aren´t doing much better.

[Michael81Dus]

There are many missions where the UN have been successful (Cyprus, Georgia, for instance). We have to see what will come out in Kosovo or Bosnia.

I´m convinced that the terrorists in Iraq will lose support once they face Muslim soldiers patrolling on the streets. It´s that you take them the argument that it´s a war Christians vs. Muslims. The Iraqis need to know that the world supports Americas goals in Iraq, and to,achieve that, the best is to invite the UN with an honest and fair offer.