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2006-04-26 Home Front: WoT

Saudi Facing US Tribunal, Defense Charges Torture

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Posted by Fred 2006-04-26 00:00|| || Front Page|| [2 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 I know Broyles, he's a good dude. What an awful position to be in, defense counsel at Gitmo. Every judgment you have to make involves a conflict between your duty to your client -- duties you have been ordered by the government to carry out -- and duty to your country, knowing that every move you make will be milked for propaganda value in the Arab press. And the MSM, for that matter.

No one likes defense attorneys, but bear in mind that military defense attorneys have nothing in common with civilian defense attorneys, who will say anything for a buck. Military defense attorneys are soldiers doing their assigned duties like everyone else -- not necessarily with any joy -- so resist the urge to blame Broyles. I'm sure his conscience is tormented all on his own.

If I'm pissed at anyone, it's the policymakers who put soldiers in this position, basically ordering officers who took an oath to betray it. The alternative is to refuse, which could mean the end of your career. Which, perhaps, is the right answer, but it's still a shitty position to be in. I hate seeing my colleagues forced to make these choices. We're too freakin' civlized for our own good.

Posted by Phutle Angamp5322 2006-04-26 03:54|| 2006-04-26 03:54|| Front Page Top

#2 I wouldn't be too worried about the position Lt. Col. Broyles is in. He's both an officer and a defense attorney. Sounds like he's making his case as best as possible, and letting the tribunal reach whatever conclusions it deems appropriate. Whatever was done, let the tribunal decide - it will be very useful to start building a record of various penal activities, and whether they constitute torture or not.

Given the evidence on the "detainees" so far (weight gain, recidivism, willingness of released prisoners to appear) every little fact contradicts the wild misleading allegations.

Maybe Cuban authorities can share their prison practices and results with the media and EU as well?

Posted by Omaique Angarong6414 2006-04-26 10:10|| 2006-04-26 10:10|| Front Page Top

#3 J Said bin Tortured, a common name, eh?

Posted by Captain America 2006-04-26 10:56|| 2006-04-26 10:56|| Front Page Top

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