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Shame and Honor
Sociology professer says Abu Ghraib trial is a 'complex human story'
By: Travis Robinson
Issue date: 9/11/07 Section: News
"These are complex human stories," ones not of just torture, or abuse as it was termed at trial, Mestrovic said. The soldiers we're under incredible stress. The prison was shelled by mortar rounds almost weekly by insurgents that the U.S. Army couldn't root out. The supply officer for the prison, Maj. David Dinenna, testified that it was a filthy place, filled with rat feces and toilets that didn't work. There was insufficient water, and the water that was brought was brought by gasoline tankers, making it unfit to drink.
While recognizing the necessity to be tough in the war on terror, International studies major Taylor Hawkins said, "We must be careful that in the process of investigating and prosecuting terrorists, we do not become the very monster we are fighting against."
In a recent book entitled the "The Lucifer Effect," Stanford psychology professor Phillip Zimbardo said Pappas, who received immunity for his testimony against the only officer convicted of wrongdoing in Abu Ghraib, may have had issues with his sanity. According Zimbardo, Pappas was one of several soldiers who, after losing a friend, in this case his driver and deputy, would take out his anger on the prisoners.
Corps Commander Nicholas Guillemette is certain that many cadets from Corps of Cadets will face such difficult situations. "However, the Corps prepares individuals for situations like this by stressing a respect for human liberties and rights, as well as placing a premium upon the sanctity of human life in general," he said.
"A war is not just a free for all. There are rules that have to be followed. They're going over there representing democracy," Mestrovic said.
While recognizing the necessity to be tough in the war on terror, International studies major Taylor Hawkins said, "We must be careful that in the process of investigating and prosecuting terrorists, we do not become the very monster we are fighting against."
In a recent book entitled the "The Lucifer Effect," Stanford psychology professor Phillip Zimbardo said Pappas, who received immunity for his testimony against the only officer convicted of wrongdoing in Abu Ghraib, may have had issues with his sanity. According Zimbardo, Pappas was one of several soldiers who, after losing a friend, in this case his driver and deputy, would take out his anger on the prisoners.
Corps Commander Nicholas Guillemette is certain that many cadets from Corps of Cadets will face such difficult situations. "However, the Corps prepares individuals for situations like this by stressing a respect for human liberties and rights, as well as placing a premium upon the sanctity of human life in general," he said.
"A war is not just a free for all. There are rules that have to be followed. They're going over there representing democracy," Mestrovic said.
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