This is not good news. Former US Army Brigadier General Janis Karpinski, formerly commander of the infamous Abu Gharib prison in Iraq, says outgoing defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld wrote memos that outlined specific torture technques for prisoners. Rumsfeld has been accused of war crimes and may face charges in Germany.
Meanwhile, Newsweek reports that Robert Gates will be sworn in as the new DefSec “in the new year"— at least two weeks after his confirmation. “One source close to the White House, who spoke anonymously in order to keep his job, believes President George W. Bush has decided to wait until after Dec. 29 ‘as a personal gesture to Rumsfeld.’” On that date Rumsfeld would become the longest-serving defense secretary. (via Think Progress)
Ex-General Says Rumsfeld OK'd Abuse (Boston Globe)
Defense: The Pentagon Handoff (Newsweek)
More Rumsfeld and Torture:
Rumsfeld's Worst Nightmare (Rod 2.0) Judgment at Nuremberg (Rod 2.0) Rumsfeld War Crimes (Rod 2.0)
It's obvious that the further this case develops, the more we will now. If Rumsfeld authorized torture, the repercussions will lead all the way to the White House.
Posted by: Earl FF | 28 November 2006 at 18:47