Col. to be charged by Army for interrogation methods in Iraq

Krimson Klaw · Post by **Krimson Klaw** » October 29, 2003, 11:31 am

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20031 ... -6042r.htm

Basically, this Col. says he found out about an upcoming sniper assasination attempt on him by an informant, and one of the suspects was an Iraqi police officer. He sent troops to pick the guy up, interrogated him with "physical aggress", and when that failed, he fired two shots near the guy, which caused him to spill the beans on the ambush sniper plot on the Col. and his men.

The crux is, his methods most likely saved their lives, but the Army is taking the stance that the ends do not justify the means. While I agree with the Army's stance on this matter, I can't help but wonder what I would have done in his shoes. IMO, the Army is setting the correct standard here, because if we allow the senior leadership to openly brake the rules of war that we agreed to follow, then where does it end?

No comments about us breaking rules by invading to begin with, we pretty much have THAT debate daily. I'll say it for you, he is just emulating his Commander in Chief. Now we can stay on topic.

vn_Tanc · Post by **vn_Tanc** » October 29, 2003, 11:54 am

Whatever the outcome it's good to know that, when necessary, this kind of behaviour is to be questioned and investigated thoroughly.

It'd be interesting to know what transpired after the interrogation re: this assassination attempt. The Col. had a tough decision to make and it's not one I'd like to make myself. But I suspect the outcome will depend heavily on just whether or not lives were actually saved.

Sionistic · Post by **Sionistic** » October 29, 2003, 1:34 pm

I guess there wasnt time to send the prisoner to another country to interrogate him

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » October 29, 2003, 2:10 pm

yeah only the CIA gets to torture people

but i agree with you Krim, and it is a tough call.

Kilmoll the Sexy · Post by **Kilmoll the Sexy** » October 29, 2003, 2:17 pm

All that a court martial is going to do is show the next person that has this type of information come to their attention that they should question the suspect without witnesses and then dispose of them. Self preservation is pretty much tantamount in any war zone.

What I question is why this Iraqi gave up information because someone shot a pistol into a barrel twice?

Metanis · Post by **Metanis** » October 29, 2003, 4:03 pm

Col. West said he informed his superior of his actions. The incident lay dormant until the Army conducted an overall command-climate investigation of the brigade. The investigation turned up the interrogation technique, and Col. West was charged with one count of aggravated assault.

Wonderful. You know what a "command-climate investigation" resembles? Witch hunt.

I also find it troubling the same article alludes to these practices being widespread yet the only officer charged is black. You think maybe this guy pissed someone off?

I hope Col. West chooses a trial so the details become a matter of public record. While I think he did wrong; I think the punishment needs to be carefully considered in relation to the dangerous position we have placed these soldiers and to the fact that he possibly saved his troops from futher danger.

If this account is true, then he should be transferred to a dead-end job and forced to retire when he reaches his 20 year milestone. No way should he lose the 19 years of service which he has given to his country and the Army.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » October 30, 2003, 1:31 pm

Breakdown of the Trial:

Prosecutor: Did you fire two shots near the iraqi policman in order to get information about the assassination plot?

Col. West: All's fair in love and war.

Prosecutor: ...damn it! No further questions.

Krimson Klaw · Post by **Krimson Klaw** » October 30, 2003, 1:54 pm

rofl winnow.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » October 30, 2003, 4:26 pm

HE IS A HERO

GOD BLESS HIM

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

AND GOD BLESS THE USA

Mak · Post by **Mak** » October 30, 2003, 4:38 pm

After seeing video tape today of bound prisoners being tossed of the roof of a 2 story building by the old Iraqi regime, I think we have a pretty loose idea of torture.

Krimson Klaw · Post by **Krimson Klaw** » October 30, 2003, 7:27 pm

Does not matter what Saddam did, we have rules to which we have agreed to adhere to. That argument won't float with me.

Silvarel Mistmoon · Post by **Silvarel Mistmoon** » October 31, 2003, 11:23 am

I agree with Krims that everyone should obey the laws, they are there for a reason and even in war time you have certain rules you must follow but I also understand this mans reasoning for doing what he did. It is always easier to sit back and point out what someone did wrong and act like we would have handled it the "right" way but you never really know your actions untill you are in the exact same sititution.

After reading this.................

http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/10/ ... index.html

If this man was a part of this group then I don't feel sorry for him at all and think he got off easy.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » October 31, 2003, 12:06 pm

You are contradicting yourself in your own post. It doesn't matter if the person was the worse torturer in the world. You can't fall down to their level if you EVER want to have a chance at settling down Iraq and gain the trust of the people. If the rumor is spread that USA tortures people (yes even enemies of the people), you will have a way harder time of gaining trust, cooperation and getting help. And without local help you have zero chance of being successful.