Amnesty International report 2004
Amnesty condemns U.S. terror war
Is this what we aspire to be known for? The most powerful nation in the world? It would appear that we have a ways to go in order to live up to our own values.
Washington's global anti-terror policies are "bankrupt of vision" as human rights become sacrificed in the blind pursuit of security, a leading human rights group charged on Wednesday....
"The global security agenda promoted by the U.S. administration is bankrupt of vision and bereft of principle," Amnesty head Irene Khan said, launching its annual report.
"Violating rights at home, turning a blind eye to abuses abroad and using pre-emptive military force where and when it chooses has damaged justice and freedom, and made the world a more dangerous place."
Specifically, Amnesty lashed Washington for unlawful killings of Iraqi civilians; questionable arrest and mistreatment of prisoners in Iraq, Guantanamo Bay and Afghanistan; and opposition to a new global criminal court.
"The world is crying out for principled leadership," Khan added....
Don't be holding your breath, y'all. "Principled leadership" and "the Bush Administration have proven to be oxymorons. We have allowed the war on terror to be interpreted as carte blanche by our government to use whatever means it deems necessary. Is this the kind of country we want to be?