Officer Says He Wrongly Approved Use of Dogs

[Rose Siding]

Top officer takes responsibility

The top U.S. military intelligence officer at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq testified yesterday that he inappropriately approved the use of dogs for interrogations without consulting higher-ranking officers, accepting responsibility for giving his subordinates an aggressive tool that was used to terrify detainees.
....
Interrogator notes presented to the seven-member jury yesterday appeared to show that Pappas and a senior interrogator approved the use of dogs for the detainee. But Pappas said he had "no explanation" for why his name appeared on the documents.

For his error, Pappas accepted an administrative punishment, which included being relieved of command and fined $8,000. He testified under the protection of immunity.
....
In two hours on the witness stand yesterday, Pappas testified that he had learned that military working dogs were an effective interrogation tool from a team of intelligence officials visiting Iraq in September 2003 from the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, adding that there was discussion with Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Miller and his entourage about the "Arab fear of dogs" being a reason to use the animals to "set the conditions" for interrogations.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/15/AR2006031502621.html

[savemefromdumbya]

1. Blame rumsfeld

The techniques, approved by Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld for use in interrogating Mohamed Qahtani -- the alleged "20th hijacker" in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks -- were used at Guantanamo Bay in late 2002 as part of a special interrogation plan aimed at breaking down the silent detainee.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A35612-2004Jun11.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/13/AR2005071302380.htmll
http://globalization.about.com/od/humanrights/a/rumsfeldlawsuit.htm
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-06/23/content_341714.htm

US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld approved the use of "harsh" interrogation techniques at Guantanamo Bay, including stripping detainees naked, making them hold "stress" positions and depriving them of sleep, a Pentagon official has confirmed.

Stephen Cambone, the under-secretary of defence for intelligence, also said severe interrogation techniques, including the use of dogs to intimidate prisoners, had been approved by military commanders in Iraq.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/12/1084289748000.html

[cliss]

2. Exactly what I was going to say.

This shit was approved by Rumsfailed. When will that criminal be held accountable?

[savemefromdumbya]

3. the lower ranks are always used as scapegoats

our Senators should pursue firing him

[realFedUp]

4. I'd like to see these guys in GITMO

seems an apt punishment, if not in jail with soldiers
found guilty of the hands on torture.

[donkeyotay]

5. So, what are we getting in exchange for his immunity?

from the OP:

Although Pappas has long been considered a potential link between use of the aggressive tactic and authorizations from superiors in Baghdad and Washington, he instead told jurors he proceeded without clearance in telling one of his interrogators he could bring dogs into an interrogation booth to scare a detainee.
...

Smith's case has highlighted the fact that dogs were approved for use at Abu Ghraib, and testimony has suggested that at least one civilian contract interrogator was urging the use of dogs at night to break down certain uncooperative detainees. Evidence has shown that one detainee whom Smith allegedly abused -- Ashraf Abdullah Ahsy al-Juhayshi -- was a suspected al-Qaeda operative and the subject of a "special project team" that some at the prison believed had authority to use severe tactics.
...
For his error, Pappas accepted an administrative punishment, which included being relieved of command and fined $8,000. He testified under the protection of immunity.
end>

Basically, Pvt. England and her "few bad apples" were right; they believed they were carrying out their superior's orders. But none of these superiors that I know of, intelligence officers, contractors, or the chain of command going up to Rumsfeld and the commander in chief's tortured logic for torture, have been held accountable. Pappas will pay his $8K and probably go on to be a defense contractor or lobbyist or some damned such thing.

[saigon68]

7. Pappas the "WAR CRIMINAL" belongs at the HAGUE

But because there is a cover-up he will SOUNDLY sleep in his heated water bed tonight.








0:57 p.m., Dec. 12, 2003. Detainee after dog bite.






The photo log lists the date and time of this photo as unknown, but the time line estimates the date as Dec. 27, 2003]. Possible wounds from less than lethal rounds fired at the detainee.

[donkeyotay]

8. kick for the truth. Look at what these fine people have done with honor.

[brooklynite]

6. And it only took 2 1/2 years to 'fess up...

Who says this Administration isn't restoring integrity to Government?

[0007]

9. Most Americans have a fear of snakes. So will a day come when

perhaps a country like India is in power they'll use the King Cobra and other snakes to scare the living shit out of us?

"Arab fear of dogs" being a reason to use the animals to "set the conditions" for interrogations.

The United States is setting a precedent for other countries.

[LiberalFighter]

10. Gee I would had thought military had MANUALS steps allowed and

not allowed that they had to follow

But then again if they their goals won't be accomplished then they will work around them.