Bush Sorry for Abuse of Iraqi Prisoners
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON May 6, 2004 President Bush apologized Thursday for the abuse and humiliation of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. soldiers, saying the scenes of mistreatment had made Americans "sick to our stomachs."
A day after he stopped short of apologizing, Bush told Jordan's King Abdullah II: "I was sorry for the humiliation suffered by the Iraqi prisoners and the humiliation suffered by their families.
"I told him I was as equally sorry that people seeing those pictures didn't understand the true nature and heart of America," Bush said, standing in the Rose Garden alongside Abdullah.
The president's statement went beyond his comment Wednesday that the abuse of prisoners was "abhorrent" and "does not represent the America that I know."
His lack of an apology Wednesday was striking, and his spokesman said later that the president was sorry. Bush gave voice to that sentiment Thursday.
Scenes of mistreatment have been broadcast around the world, drawing international condemnation and prompting outrage in the Middle East. Bush said he discussed the pictures with Abdullah.
Bush said he told the king: "Americans like me didn't appreciate what we saw, and it makes us sick to our stomachs.
"I also made it clear to his majesty that the troops we have in Iraq who were there for security and peace and freedom are the finest of the fine."
For his part, the king said, "We're all horrified by the images" of torture and abuse.
He said he was confident that American investigations would find the guilty parties. The abuse by some soldiers "doesn't reflect the morals and values" of the United States, Abdullah said.
Describing a meeting he had Wednesday with Rumsfeld, Bush said, "I told him I should have known about the pictures and the report" done by the Pentagon two months ago. The president said he had assured Abdullah that "people will be brought to justice in a way commensurate to how our system works."
posted on May 6, 2004 01:04:06 PM new
Well, that's a double edged sword. On one hand, his apology shows strength and compassion, but on the other side, I think he was prompted or he would have already apologized.
posted on May 6, 2004 01:16:09 PM new
Krafty - I think he felt it but was probably afraid t say it for fear of seaming weak. Problem is that the fact that he did not say it overshadowed everything that he DID say. I was wondering why they were breaking in to regular broadcasting on NBC to show Bush in the rose garden today, now we know why. I wonder what they had to promise Jordan to use their King in this PR stunt? Remember, he canceled an earlier meeting and returned to his country in protest of US support of the Isreali plan that would have denied Palestinian refugees in Jordan the right to return to their homeland.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on May 6, 2004 01:16:36 PM new
Well, of course he was prompted It was obvious yesterday that he had no intention of apologizing. World & home reaction made him change his mind (hey--does that count as a "flip flop?"
____________________
We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people. -- John F. Kennedy
Bush Promises to Reassure Palestinians
Thu May 6, 2004 03:48 PM ET
by Adam Entous
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Under pressure from Jordan's King Abdullah, President Bush said on Thursday he would reassure the Palestinians in writing of his commitment to ensuring a "just peace" with Israel despite his recent pledges favoring the Jewish state.
Bush said he would send a letter to Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie "that will explain my views, and we will expand dialogue between the United States and Palestinians."
Bush delighted Israelis and enraged Palestinians last month when he wrote Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon letters saying Israel could not be expected to give up all its settlements or accept the return of Palestinian refugees.
Bush's stance was seen by the Palestinians and their supporters in the Arab world as having bargained away two central and highly emotive issues that should have been theirs to negotiate with Israel.
Though White House officials said they stood by their commitments to Israel, Bush told Abdullah what he wanted to hear: "All final-status issues must be negotiated between the parties... And the United States will not prejudice the outcome of those negotiations."
Bush's assurances to Abdullah and Qurie came in response to growing anger in the Arab world to Bush's pro-Israel policies and to the explosive revelations of U.S. forces abusing and sexually humiliating Iraqi prisoners.
Abdullah abruptly canceled plans to visit Washington last month to protest Bush's commitments to Sharon. The meeting was quickly rescheduled, but Abdullah demanded written assurances of his own from Bush.
The White House initially balked at Abdullah's request, concerned it would harm Sharon, officials said. To reassure the Israelis, White House officials told Israel's ambassador to the United States that Bush's position was unchanged, U.S. and Israeli officials said.
Bush said Abdullah recommended that he send a letter to Qurie to "make sure the Palestinians understand my desire for a just peace, my desire for there to be a prosperous country, my desire that the Palestinian people have a chance to realize their hopes and aspirations."
Officials said Bush was also expected to give Abdullah written assurances that the parties must negotiate the final status of Palestinian borders and refugees.
"I am encouraged by what I've heard from you today," Abdullah told Bush.
____________________
We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people. -- John F. Kennedy
posted on May 6, 2004 02:13:38 PM new
Oh good....now President Bush has apologized and all will be well in the world. Everyone who already hated what American stands for will no longer hold that opinion because they have seen this much awaited apology.
posted on May 6, 2004 02:26:00 PM new
It's not a question of not being able to see the difference.
It's the FACT that it won't change a thing about the way we/our actions are seen.
Those who hate us aren't going to all of a sudden like us more now that we've apologized. Nor is it likely to change any minds of those who believe we are no better, as a whole, than was saddam.
Some who weren't bothered by saddams actions to his own people [worse actions] will still blame us - while they wouldn't be/aren't so critical of the same actions in saddam or even their own countries actions.
posted on May 6, 2004 02:41:03 PM new
Linda, as the President, Bush is responsible for the actions of the soldiers. An apology would have been the least he could have done. And no, an apology wouldn't erase his 3 1/2 years of mistakes, but it would show that he has some compassion for those who've been humiliated. Would he have been so lax if the pictures were of American soldiers?
posted on May 6, 2004 02:42:54 PM new
I know there may come as a shock to your sensibilities but there are actually people in this world who see shafes of grey Linda. People who don't hate us with ever fiber of their being but who have begun to wonder if maybe their trust was misplaced and yes, a sincere apology, especially if followed up by action rather than promises does make a difference.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on May 6, 2004 03:10:12 PM new
fenix - Well....whenever you see that this apology did make a difference in the minds of anyone who opposes our military/nation already......please update me. I will be MORE than willing to admit I was wrong. I just don't see it happening.
Just as I don't believe that whether a democrat or a republican President is in office makes any difference in changing the minds of how those who hate what America stands for see us.
posted on May 6, 2004 03:20:18 PM new
Of course it does, Linda. There is a big difference in how the world views a President like Bush who wages preemptive war and keeps the Mideast in a state of fear....than a president who does not.
Under his command, we have preemptively invaded a country, destroyed the country, massacred at least one city and viciously tortured prisoners of war.
posted on May 6, 2004 05:40:46 PM new
Was forced to do this to appease some parties... I don't think any less of the man, he is still my choice come November...
AIN'T LIFE GRAND...
It's too bad that their blindness can't see they are killing more soldiers than President Bush ever has... Protest Loud and Proud! Your fellow taliban and insurgents are rejoicing at the support...
posted on May 6, 2004 07:19:51 PM new
Apologies are a sign of weakness in the Muslim world. I wonder how many more Americans will die BECAUSE of this apology.
Bush should have kept his mouth shut.
No one condones what was done, but an Apology to Muslims is the LAST thing he should have done.
--------------------------------------
We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing -- Anonymous
posted on May 6, 2004 07:47:20 PM new
I dont know...if he was forced into it by political correctness....how sincere could or should it be taken, anyway?
Has any of the ME leaders ever apologized for 9/11, the Cole, or any other bombing thats killed innocent people??
I cant remember any if they did.
posted on May 6, 2004 08:01:02 PM new
replay is right... apologies are a sign of weakness..
AIN'T LIFE GRAND...
It's too bad that their blindness can't see they are killing more soldiers than President Bush ever has... Protest Loud and Proud! Your fellow taliban and insurgents are rejoicing at the support...
posted on May 7, 2004 07:44:15 AM new
It Takes A Lot Of Nerve!
Rev. Ken Joseph Jr. (archive)
May 6, 2004 | Print | Send
New York - On a brief stopover on the way back to Baghdad the story of the terrible treatment of Iraqi Prisoners in Abu Ghraib prison broke. Having been by there many times and having a family member who was actually forced to work their during the time of Sadaam Hussein I look at it from a very different perspective.
While looking at the pictures and reading the descriptions of the unacceptable way the Iraqi prisoners were treated something began to feel very strange.
As a wave of condemnation began to rise, proper of course, for those of us who were in Iraq during the time of Sadaam and have been throughout the Middle East it all began to ring very hollow.
While we must rightly condemn by all means possible and prosecute each one who violated the rights of the Iraqis put in their charge, it seems so very strange that the loud cries of outrage ring out so strong and true when the crime is on the side of the United States, but those same voices were completely silent for 35 years during the terror that was Sadaam Hussein and to this day are silent on the `thug rulers` throught the Middle East and throughout the world who must have all had a good laugh as they looked at the pictures and read the descriptions of the terrible abuse of the Prisoners under US control.
Sadaam himself, must have smiled at the `Childs play` in comparison to what he did on a daily basis and what occurs throughout the region even as I write.
The UN itself, currently being considered for a role in the future of Iraq according to the Iraqis who despise it so intently never lifted a finger of opposition to Sadaam and his daily terror.
Ask anyone living in countries in the region what happens if you are picked up by the `Amin` or secret police! They all live in holy fear of crossing the secret police . . . today! This is the reason they never speak put and appear to be so docile and anti-American.
Ask the Iraqis why they do not rise to the challenge given them by their liberation by America! It is because they are afraid, and rightly so that after the US hands over power on June 30th the `thugs` will be back and will as they always do `take care of` all who spoke the truth!
I was in Iraq during the time of Sadaam Hussein and can testify to the sheer terror of my family members at the horror of Sadaam Hussein.
I remember the way the whole house would stiffen at an unexpected telephone call, an unexpected visitor or anything out of the ordinary.
Ask any Iraqi what happened on a daily basis with Sadaam Hussein and his two sons. The story in Iraq to this day is of the absolute evil they were. They were said to end each day with a call to the Prison - the same prison that the current outrage has happened - to ask for a couple prisoners to be sent over.
Sadaam, Uday and Qusay his two sons were said to have ended the day by torturing one or more prisoners while they drank and laughed.
Many were the stories of those who simply disappeared never to come back again. Travel throught Iraq and look on the walls of just about every family for the telltale black and white pictures of one or more family members who died at the hands of Sadaam Hussein or in one of his `stupid` wars as they call them.
My own cousin, a wonderful, sweet Assyrian Christian woman endured the unspeakable when she was sent to Prison to be abused not once or twice but for 15 years for the simple crime of refusing to sleep with one of Sadaams cronies.
Another relative to this day with huge scars on his face and body where he was tortured over and over and over during the many years of imprisonment for simply saying he was an Assyrian and a Christian.
While we must condemn in the strongest terms the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by US Troops, at the same time we must bring the discussion back to reality - a reality where as terrible as it is the action by US Troops it is Childs play in relationship to what occurred every single day under the terror regieme of Sadaam Hussein and occurs right now in `thug regimes` throughout the Middle East - the same people in many cases who are so loudly and vociferously attacking the crimes by US troops.
With all its faults, the US has the honesty to admit she is wrong and as Condoleezza Rice did to apologize, say Sorry and do all it can to make sure it doesnt happen again.
While they rally against the unacceptable actions of the US troops, those in the middle east quietly and always in private admire a system where such misdeeds actually see the light of day, are apologized for and changes made.
The silent majority while outwardly in the `politically correct` atmosphere in nearly every Middle East country will demonstrate against the abuse, quietly they express astonishment because they all know that the `thug rulers` do many times more horrible things to their fellow citizens on a daily basis.
The question to ask is `When will those in other Middle Eastern nations who so loudly cry out against the American abuse be able to do the same for abuse in their own country?`
The `thug rulers` of the Middle East and the poor, longsuffering people under their unfortunate rule are closely watching what happens in Iraq.
Will the US stand up against `thug rule` or will she cave in, cut and run.
As one who has been there, while so intimidated and in fear that they will never publicly acknowledge it, every Iraqi with the exception of the 20% who worked for Sadaam in some form or another hopes and prays that the US will cancel the June 30th handover and keep charge of the government until a secular, normal constitution can be written, free and fair elections held and a `normal` government in place.
The `thugs` cry out for an American departure and Islamic rule for one very simply reason - they want to take turns with Sadaam Hussein and continue his rule of terror themselves.
While the `thugs` will cry foul at a cancellation of the June 30 handover until a normal government can be in place, the `silent majority` of Iraqis will welcome it with relief and with the assurance of American control will slowly but surely begin to speak out and express what they really feel.
`June is too soon` is the private rallying cry of the silent majority of Iraqis. Instead of caving in as they did in Fallujah, the US should make it clear that the future of Iraq and the Middle East is one in which government, as it has shown by example is accountable to its citizens and should use the terrible occurrence at Abu Ghalid prison to show how a free and open society based on the rule of law operates.
Can good come out of the terrible things done against Iraqi prisoners? You bet! As one Iraqi told me the other day - we need the Americans to stay until we can have `normal government` again! We cannot have one group of thugs replace another one!`
Will his prayer be answered? The occurrences at Abu Ghalid Prison and the response of the American People and its government have served as an example of how a free society works and done more to advance the cause o liberty than a hundred good deeds.
It is precisely how a free society handles the tragic that shows its greatness!
Rev. Ken Joseph Jr. directs www.Assyrianchristians.com and is currently completing a book on his experiences in Iraq entitled `I Was Wrong`.
"The Secret Service has announced it is doubling its protection for John Kerry. You can understand why with two positions on every issue, he has twice as many people mad at him." Jay Leno
posted on May 7, 2004 09:30:44 AM newWhile we must rightly condemn by all means possible and prosecute each one who violated the rights of the Iraqis put in their charge, it seems so very strange that the loud cries of outrage ring out so strong and true when the crime is on the side of the United States
Nobody is surprised when a Saddam does bad things.
Our country has always portrayed itself--and been seen as--as one of high ideals. "Truth, justice & the American way." A beacon for all to aspire to. Possessed of unheard of freedoms and compassion. A rescuer. A sort of noble and parfait knight of a nation.
So when we do atrocious things, the shock is great. Hard to believe. A betrayal of all the things that we--and the rest of the world--have been raised to believe about ourselves and our country.
____________________
We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people. -- John F. Kennedy
posted on May 7, 2004 02:44:16 PM newSo when we do atrocious things, the shock is great. Hard to believe. A betrayal of all the things that we--and the rest of the world--have been raised to believe about ourselves and our country.
It also calls into question what right we have to invade Iraq with the reason given that Saddam had torture and rape rooms.
I am also fed up hearing that these were the acts of a few bad apples.
The US military people in those pictures have claimed that they were encouraged to treat the prisoners that way by both the CIA and private contarctors and that it was know all the way to the White House since at least last Fall.
I am almost to the point of agreeing that Bush and Cheney should be tried as war criminals by an international tribuneral.
posted on May 7, 2004 03:28:17 PM new
Sure reamond, but we are sick and tired of your anti-american rehtoric. Is that going to stop?
Those few will say anything to save their butts... lies like the left likes to hear... nothing more.
AIN'T LIFE GRAND...
It's too bad that their blindness can't see they are killing more soldiers than President Bush ever has... Protest Loud and Proud! Your fellow taliban and insurgents are rejoicing at the support...
posted on May 8, 2004 05:48:05 PM new
If the President is responsible for what the women do in the military...We should not aloud any more women in the military. That should solve the problem.
posted on May 8, 2004 07:20:09 PM new
Since men participated in this as well as women, by your logic men should no longer be allowed in the military either...
____________________
We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people. -- John F. Kennedy
posted on May 8, 2004 07:58:47 PM new
Mah, it wasnt ALL women involved in this incident. Women are just like men in that some are very intelligent and extremely capable - and some are just full o'crap. The military happens to be pooled from the whole national population, there's all different kinds of people in there.
It was obvious yesterday that he had no intention of apologizing. World & home reaction made him change his mind (hey--does that count as a "flip flop?"
