Army private 'ordered to pose'
I was instructed by persons in higher rank to 'stand there, hold this leash, look at the camera,' and they took pictures for PsyOps (psychological operations). I didn't really, I mean, want to be in any pictures....it was kind of weird.
- PFC Lynndie England
When this story first emerged, I couldn't help but think that there had to be more to it. As time goes by, my trepidation is being validated. It would be easy to jump to conclusions based on initial reports, but we would be well advised to keep in mind that the abuse at Abu Ghraib likely did not happen in a vacuum. Lynndie England is NOT the root of all evil in this scenario. Yes, what she did was stupid, and she certainly should have known better than to follow illegal orders. While we're attempting to crucify her, however, what about those in her chain of command?
If we're to root out those responsible for the maltreatment of Iraqi prisoners, let's not stop at the bottom of the food chain.
