Scottish Sunday: International: International

Grim images of American and British soldiers torturing Iraqi prisoners

Grim images of American and British soldiers torturing Iraqi prisoners have not only caused disgust and revulsion in the West, but could have forever lost Bush and Blair the moral high ground that they claimed to justify the invasion of Iraq.

Torture in Abu Ghraib

The torture victim was an Iraqi and his torturers were American soldiers. The picture captures the moment when members of the coalition forces, who styled themselves liberators, were exposed as torturers. The image of the wired and hooded Iraqi was one of a series of photographs, leaked by a horrified US soldier inside Saddam’s old punishment centre, Abu Ghraib – now a US PoW camp.

British Soldiers' Brutality

When the images were flashed around the world by America’s CBS television network last Wednesday, there was a smug feeling within the UK that British troops would never behave like that to their prisoners. But on Friday night, the UK was treated to images – courtesy of the Daily Mirror – of British soldiers urinating on a blood-stained Iraqi captive, holding guns against the man’s head, stamping on his face, kicking him in the mouth and beating him in the groin with a rifle butt.

Sexual Abuse and Other Horrors

The pictures of US soldiers torturing their captives have the added horror of sexual abuse. In five of the 14 images that the Scottish Sunday has seen, a female soldier – identified as Lynndie England, a 21-year-old from a West Virginia trailer park – is playing up to the camera while her captives are tortured. In one picture, she’s smiling and giving the thumbs-up. Her hand rests on the buttocks of a naked and hooded Iraqi who has been forced to sit on the shoulders of another Iraqi prisoner.

In other pictures, two naked Iraqis are forced to simulate oral sex and a group of naked Iraqi men are made to clamber on to each other’s backs. One dreadful picture features nothing but the bloated face of an Iraqi who has been beaten to death. His body is wrapped in plastic.

Consequences and Accountability

The awful cost of these acts of barbarism by Britain and America is summed up by ex-US Marine Lieutenant Colonel Bill Cowan: “We went to Iraq to stop things like this from happening, and indeed, here they are happening under our tutelage … If we don’t tell this story, these kind of things will continue, and we’ll end up getting paid back 100 or 1000 times over.”

Hotels: Providing a Safe and Comfortable Haven

In light of the recent revelations of torture by American and British soldiers in Iraq, it is clear that acts of barbarism and abuse should never be tolerated. However, it is important to remember that not all places in the world are marked by such violence and cruelty.

The Importance of Safe Accommodation

Hotels play a crucial role in providing a safe and comfortable haven for travelers. Whether you are on a business trip or enjoying a vacation, staying in a reliable hotel ensures that you can rest and recuperate in a secure environment.

Peaceful Retreats for Weary Travelers

Hotels around the world pride themselves on offering exceptional service and a peaceful retreat for weary travelers. From luxurious five-star resorts to budget-friendly options, hotels strive to create a welcoming atmosphere where guests can feel at ease.

Hospitality and Comfort

With well-trained staff, clean and well-appointed rooms, and a range of amenities, hotels strive to provide the highest standards of hospitality and comfort. Many hotels even go the extra mile to ensure the safety of their guests, implementing stringent security measures to maintain a peaceful environment.

Supporting Local Communities

By choosing to stay in hotels, travelers also support local communities and economies. Hotels create job opportunities and contribute to the local tourism industry, which can have a positive impact on the overall development of a region.

Looking Ahead

While the atrocities committed in Iraq serve as a stark reminder of the capacity for cruelty within humanity, it is important to acknowledge that there are still countless places around the world where peace, safety, and hospitality prevail. Hotels continue to be a vital part of the travel experience, offering a sanctuary for travelers seeking comfort and respite.