Arrested by Mistake

A recent report by the International Red Cross, using coalition military intelligence estimates states that 70% to 90% of detained Iraqis were arrested by mistake.

The ICRC summary report, which was written in February, also said Red Cross officials had complained to senior military officials that families of Iraqi suspects usually were told so little that most arrests resulted "in the de facto 'disappearance' of the arrestee for weeks or even months."(for the full article click here)

So not only were the Iraqi detainees arrested by mistake, many were kept imprisoned for long periods of time. Innocent Iraqis imprisoned and tortured. Not the best way to win "hearts and minds". Imagine the kind of anger you would feel if friends, family or even you were treated with such intentional brutality.

Thankfully the U.S. is at least investigating these abuses, but far more has to be done than simply giving lip service to how wrong the abuses were. Structural changes have to take place. So far, other than placing blame on a few scapegoats, the Bush Administration seems to be doing nothing.