Sign in Subscribe
Bush, George W.

Bush Administration Embroiled in Scandal Over Abuse of Iraqi Prisoners

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A firestorm of Congressional outrage engulfed the U.S. President George W. Bush's administration yesterday as the scandal over the abuse of Iraqi prisoners spread, threatening to become a serious domestic political problem. The Pentagon acknowledged it has been investigating dozens of cases of alleged abuse of detainees in Iraq and Afghanistan, including 10 suspicious deaths. As President Bush stumped through Ohio, his campaign bus tour was dogged by grim images of U.S. soldiers brutalizing Iraqi prisoners. The U.S. Defence Department is "taking a comprehensive look at the entire prison system to make sure there's no systematic problem," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pentagon is investigating 35 cases of alleged abuse of detainees in Iraq and Afghanistan, including 10 suspicious deaths.
  • The U.S. Defence Department is conducting a comprehensive review of the prison system to ensure there's no systematic problem.
  • President Bush's campaign bus tour was disrupted by grim images of U.S. soldiers abusing Iraqi prisoners.
  • 25 deaths and 10 alleged instances of abuse are being investigated by the Pentagon.
  • A U.S. soldier was discharged but served no jail time after shooting a prisoner who threw rocks at him.
  • Another homicide involved a contractor working for the Central Intelligence Agency.
  • Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld called the abuse "totally unacceptable and un-American" but refused to apologize.
  • Republicans on Capitol Hill rebuked the Pentagon's "civilian leadership," a direct jab at Defence Secretary Rumsfeld.
  • The scandal is threatening to become a serious domestic political problem for President Bush.
  • His Democratic opponents are calling for a sweeping probe into the allegations.
  • Even staunch backers of President Bush's war in Iraq are furious about the abuse allegations.
  • John McCain, a respected Republican senator, accused Defence Secretary Rumsfeld of failing his duties.
  • Tom Daschle, Democratic Minority Leader in the Senate, said it was time for the White House "to come clean."
  • Secretary of State Colin Powell called the abuse "illegal, against all regulation, against all standards. It was immoral."

Statistics:

  • 35 investigations have been initiated into alleged abuse of detainees in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  • 10 suspicious deaths are currently being investigated by the Pentagon.
  • 25 deaths and 10 alleged instances of abuse are being investigated.
  • Dozens of cases of alleged abuse of detainees have been reported.
  • 3 soldiers already discharged for allegedly abusing prisoners at Camp Bucca detention centre.
  • $350,000 (U.S.) lawsuit filed against the U.S. Army by a Canadian civilian who claims he was falsely imprisoned, tortured, and injured.

Sources:

  • The Globe and Mail
  • Washington Post
  • CBC News
  • Associated Press
  • Reuters
  • Fox News

Read more