Treatment of Captives by U.S. and the Enemy

Re “Pentagon Files Reveal More Allegations of Abuse in Iraq,” Jan. 25: As more incidents of abuse of Iraqi prisoners surface, the people investigating the allegations speak of them as if they’re the worst cases ever experienced. Human-rights activists say there is systematic U.S. military abuse around the world. We respond to these allegations with criminal investigations that lead to courts-martial and administrative punishments of our own soldiers and leaders.

When our enemies engage in similar abuses, even those that include the beheading of others, they are praised by their comrades and promised they will dwell in the house of Allah for eternity. Why is no one keeping tabs on these barbarians? Why must we be held to different standards?

Activists speak constantly about “civil rights.” We are at war -- you fight to win. There is nothing civil about it.

Daniel V. Shannon

Burbank

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As I read your article concerning abuse allegations in Iraq, my heart cried out, “Not my country.” How can so many soldiers in different locations perform such terrible deeds without orders to do so? It is impossible to believe that our troops are inherently evil. These details provide an understanding of the Holocaust and the silence of so many people. Your timing was perfect, coinciding with the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

Robert Profaca

Long Beach