Another Officer Charged With Misconduct in Iraq
The Army has filed a criminal assault charge against an American officer who coerced an Iraqi into providing information that foiled a planned attack on U.S. soldiers.
Lt. Col. Allen B. West says he did not physically abuse the detainee, but used psychological pressure by twice firing his service weapon away from the Iraqi. After the shots were fired, the detainee, an Iraqi police officer, gave up the information on a planned attack around the northern Iraqi town of Saba al Boor.
But the Army is taking a dim view of the interrogation tactic. An Army official at the Pentagon confirmed to The Washington Times yesterday that Col. West has been charged with one count of aggravated assault. A military source said an Article 32 hearing has been scheduled in Iraq that could lead to the Army court-martialing Col. West and sending him to prison for a maximum term of eight years.
Some soldiers are privately questioning the Army's drive to punish the officer for an interrogation technique that likely is used regularly to get information from terrorists.
Get the rest of the story from the Washington Times
Matt's Chat
There is a difference between protecting yourself and the men under your command and utilizing terroristic approaches to get information that you want. The situation in Iraq is tough...the terrorists aren't making it easy for us to accomplish our goals, but we can not lose our identity in this fight. Our military is the best and brightest force the world has ever seen. And while I won't condemn our troops or their mission over the action of a few, these kinds of stories are popping up a little too often for my taste. I look forward to hearing the results of the proceedings, because I think it is vital for our troops to know what is and what is not acceptable behavior in these situations. There are those who will say that we should do whatever it takes to get the information. Usually, I am among them. This time, I am not so sure that the tactics used were appropriate. But I don't have the whole story either...so I will give the colonel the benefit of the doubt.Mark's Remarks
No, Matt, you cannot give anyone the benefit of the doubt, until you find out if they are liberal or not...only liberals deserve the benefit of the doubt...just ask them...they will tell you how sanctimonious you are if you are a conservative, they will tell you that you do not deserve the high road....however, if you are liberal, it is, why bring up the past? everyone deserves a chance? So what if he murdered before, give him a weekend furlough....
Seriously, this is a serious matter. It should be investigated, it should be detailed. However, with the pressure to get info, and not being able to conduct proper investigations, due to the pressure of some who want results yesterday, procedures be damned (read dems) then I can understand why measures would be used. THAT DOES NOT EXCUSE THEM, HOWEVER. WE need to make sure what was done here, and to make sure we are being above the level, as it were.
