Very interesting -- long, but interesting.
"There are far more Americans in Iraq today -- some 140,000 troops in all -- than there were in El Salvador, but U.S. soldiers and officers are increasingly moving to a Salvador-style advisory role. In the process, they are backing up local forces that, like the military in El Salvador, do not shy away from violence. It is no coincidence that this new strategy is most visible in a paramilitary unit that has Steele as its main adviser; having been a key participant in the Salvador conflict, Steele knows how to organize a counterinsurgency campaign that is led by local forces. "
It's great that US is training strong Iraqi commando units, so the Iraqis can fight the terrorists themselves. I am sure they won't get all worried about putting panties on a terrorist's head.
My whole problem with the whole Abu Ghraib thing was that it was clearly out of control. Tough times call for tough measures, but leave it to the professionals, only for a specific reason, and by all means do it behind closed doors. It's not to be done for the amusement of some sadistic lowlifes. When the likes of Lyndie England and her boyfriend are doing this kind of stuff for fun, you've got a serious breakdown in the chain of command.