Don't fault them for not trying. Once the media learned to spell some version of 'Abu Graib' the daily quota of stories has not relaxed.
You'd think these educated journalists had never been through a fraternity hazing. Cripes, it's not like being beheaded or having your throat slit, you know?. The only difference is that Americans did the stupid panty/leash stuff and no one was hurt, and Muslims did that beheading and throat slitting. Oh well, nevermind, my boss doesn't want that, got to go.....
Have you seen this??
My instantaneous reaction to the first photographs was -- homoerotic sadomasochism -- the Don't Ask, Don't Tell crowd at work. I still think that is what we are seeing.