US Secretary of State Colin Powell Addresses Prisoner Abuse Scandal

US Secretary of State Colin Powell expressed grave concern about the prisoner abuse scandal, describing it as a "disaster" for the US image abroad. He spoke with NPR's Juan Williams, acknowledging that the scandal may worsen and that the Pentagon is reviewing allegations from the International Red Cross. Powell also stated that the administration is committed to a two-state solution in the Middle East, supporting Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.

Key Takeaways:

• Secretary Powell called the prisoner abuse scandal a "disaster" for the US image abroad, citing the heinous nature of the acts and the vividness of the pictures.
• He acknowledged that the scandal may worsen, stating that there may be more revelations in the future.
• Powell stated that the Pentagon is reviewing allegations from the International Red Cross, which reported on the abuse as far back as January.
• The Secretary spoke with Arab leaders, including the Saudis and the Jordanians, who expressed outrage and concern about the scandal.
• Powell reaffirmed the administration's commitment to a two-state solution in the Middle East, supporting Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.
• He emphasized that the US values and stands by its moral standards, and that those responsible for the abuse will be held accountable.
• Secretary Powell stated that he has not discussed the possibility of top officials at the Pentagon stepping down in response to the scandal.
• He emphasized the importance of justice being served and people being held accountable for their actions.

Statistics:

• Tens of thousands of US troops are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• The International Red Cross reported on the abuse as far back as January.
• Secretary Powell spoke with Arab leaders, including the Saudis and the Jordanians.
• The Pentagon is reviewing allegations from the International Red Cross.

Sources:

• NPR senior correspondent Juan Williams
• Secretary of State Colin Powell
• Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld
• International Red Cross president Jakob Kellenberger
• National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice
• Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz
• NPR News