Our own Abu Ghraib (op-ed from Malaysia)

[Robbien]

Yours Sincerely
By Mangai Balasegaram

THERE are photographs that change history. And the ones from the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq will do that, I suspect. They may be pivotal in turning public opinion, as that picture of a young naked Vietnamese girl burnt with napalm did in the Vietnam War.

Around the world, the images of shamed Iraqis are rousing shock, revulsion, disbelief. Going by the editorials, they are painful for many Americans, too, who are cringing in shame themselves and searching for answers to how this happened.

How indeed did the “war on terror” descend into the “house of horrors” in Abu Ghraib? The drama that has unfolded in Iraq is like a Hollywood movie, where the sequel is more unbelievable than the original.

I fear what follows next. But maybe this ugly episode may serve to shatter the myths Americans have of the war. And how low their boys – and (shockingly) gals – can go.

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2004/5/23/features/8038714&sec=features

interesting perspective on widespred oppressive activities