Reading notes

As the photographs from Abu Ghraib make clear, these detentions have had enormous consequences: for the imprisoned civilian Iraqis, many of whom had nothing to do with the growing insurgency; for the integrity of the Army; and for the United States’ reputation in the world.

These atrocities are a logical outcome of viewing the world — and the world’s people — in black-and-white terms: good vs. bad, freedom-lovers vs. evildoers, with us or against us. Look at the world: even if you’re color-blind, it’s still many, many shades of gray.

<anger> Probably not fair but definitely human: when I see a Bush/Cheney ‘04 bumper sticker, what immediately leaps to my mind is ‘here’s someone who shares culpability for these atrocities.’ Clearly I have run out of patience with Bush- and Bush-policy supporters. Eventually, I believe, the excuse of ignorance or misinformation or misunderstanding or misguided adulation that allows Bush-policy support runs out — and full-blown responsibility for one’s actions sets in. That time has come, IMO. </anger>

Repentance is the start of a solution. Constant, ongoing repentance. Lack thereof is a very bad sign indeed.

2004-05-03 update: Today I see Juan Cole’s take on the situation, Arab Reaction to Photos of Prisoner Abuse, written on Saturday as well. Juan’s Arab-world assessments are crucial to pay attention to, IMO:

This is a big thing, folks. … Can you imagine what the mood would be like in the United States if some foreign power had treated US POWs like this and then the photos came out? …

The photographs are graphic illustrations of racism, hatred and contempt by some Americans for Arabs. …

I really wonder whether, with the emergence of these photos, the game isn’t over for the Americans in Iraq.

[original link via Daily Kos]