An Iraq interrogator’s nightmare.
By on Feb 9th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
An Iraq interrogator’s nightmare.
“The lead interrogator at the DIF had given me specific instructions: I was to deprive the detainee of sleep during my 12-hour shift by opening his cell every hour, forcing him to stand in a corner and stripping him of his clothes. Three years later the tables have turned. It is rare that I sleep through the night without a visit from this man. His memory harasses me as I once harassed him.” Read the full op-ed.
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Way to support our troops King George!
February 9th, 2007 at 2:08 pmI posted a comment at WaPo urging Fair to name names and tell everything to the world.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:10 pm…and that is how we fight the good fight of righteousness and freedom….
pathetic – our troops should file a class action suit against their employer.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:11 pmSounds like he wants a book deal..
February 9th, 2007 at 2:12 pmGood.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:15 pmJuan C sez:
Good, but not good enough. The due process of law needs to be executed here, to give both the victims and the perpetrators closure.
One of the conditions of Eric’s sentence for these crimes should be a requirement to name names, especially of his immediate superior who issued these illegal orders.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:19 pm#4 – nice – disrespect the troops some more, whydontcha – hey, here’s an idea – find that guy and spit on him after accusing him of being a publicity hound…..ya sick f**k
February 9th, 2007 at 2:21 pmGood.
Comment by Juan C
I forgot to add:
February 9th, 2007 at 2:21 pmbut at least this guy has a conscience.
#6 tmm
The due process of law needs to be executed here, to give both the victims and the perpetrators closure.
That is very important. Obviously Fair has unresolved psychological issues here – not to mention the victims. Bush&Co have brought out the worst in all of us, yet they sleep well at night because they have no conscience. Those with morals and conscience have troubles.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:27 pmThese things never stay hidden forever – there is always a person with a conscience, however long it takes that conscience to waken.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:28 pm#9 – it’s Democrats who have no conscience. They vote to send us into war and then turn around and backstab the troops for political gain. (Also, the support partial-birth abortion)
This post is pathetic. A suspected terrorist/detainee who we need information from should be deprived of sleep. FDR would be ashamed of the modern day left. How can we conduct a war if people on our own side want to take the tools away that coudl keep America or our troops safe?
February 9th, 2007 at 2:35 pmThese acts are reprehensible and need to be investigated and prosecuted accordingly.
By the way, did you all notice that he was a civilian at the time, not in the Army?
Another reason to get rid of the contractors.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:38 pmComment by Liberals Heart Terrorists — February 9, 2007 @ 2:35 pm
February 9th, 2007 at 2:39 pmI’m curious, as you seem to avoid any debate at all cost, how do you feel about the enemy torturing our soldiers to get information?
Take your time (I know you will)
It’s unbelievable that the upper brass would sit still and allow someone like Rumsfeld to rewrite military procedure and protocol. Inserting contractors in the middle of this war/invasion/occupation has only served to weaken and corrupt our national defense and the military, in general. It’s my understanding that Rumsfeld still has his office in the Pentagon and is still busy, pulling strings and making threatening phone calls to anyone that obstructs his/Bush’s wishes. Just because you don’t see or hear him doesn’t mean the bastard isn’t still at work.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:39 pmComment by Liberals Heart Terrorists
There is a very fine line between aggressive interrogation and torture. While I agree that tea and cookies is not always going to work, much of what we hear goes over the line.
And the last thing I am is a liberal.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:41 pm#11- IMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACHIMPEACH
February 9th, 2007 at 2:43 pm#11 – It is unbelievable how folks such as yourself cannot take responsibility for anything.
We could talk about doctored intelligence information, etc. but that would only confuse you.
Let’s assume that everything leading up to the vote for AUMF was honest and true, it is still President Bush who made the decision to go to commit an pre-emptive attack. It is President Bush who has ordered dubious tactics during this war. As you and your cohorts in crime are so apt at pointing out, President Bush is the Commander in Chief and he’s the one who tells the troops what to do.
Keeping the troops in Iraq, when there is nothing to “win” is the consumate in NOT supporting the troops. They are being held in harms way because of a lunatic’s ego. Bush is keeping them there in hope that anyone else can be accused of pulling the troops out. That is the ultimate hypocrisy of playing this war for political gain.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:44 pm#11
February 9th, 2007 at 2:45 pmIs an example of the depths to which the Republican party has sunk. Illogical arguments, ad hominem attacks, and ignorance.
I don’t believe that Fair realized that he had a conscience until it came to haunt him. This is a risk that anyone takes in performing inhumanity to humanity or an individual.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:48 pmThe Golden Rule: Do Unto Others!
February 9th, 2007 at 2:48 pmCorruption, incompetence plague Iraqi forces, reporter finds
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Many of the Iraqi forces whom the U.S. is counting on to defeat Sunni Muslim insurgents, disarm Shiite Muslim gunmen and assume responsibility for keeping the peace have been infiltrated by sectarian militias and are plagued by incompetence and corruption.
Two weeks with American units that patrolled with Iraqi forces in west and east Baghdad found that Iraqi officers sold new uniforms meant for their troops, and that their soldiers wore plastic shower sandals while manning checkpoints, abused prisoners and solicited bribes to free suspects they’d captured…….
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/16655490.htm
February 9th, 2007 at 2:50 pmThe Golden Rule: Do Unto Others!
Comment by veritas
No unlike a book I read a while back — “all I ever needed to know I learned in kindergarten.”
February 9th, 2007 at 2:57 pmFDR was a man of principle and integrity, something you modern republicans know little about. I doubt he would have set up secret prisons, authorized torture, and invaded a country for no reason.
go away little boy.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:57 pmIt’s been thirty-seven years since I was in ‘nam….still have’n the dreams….America hasn’t learned a damn thing.
February 9th, 2007 at 3:00 pmhacker bob,
maybe the man was a civilian contractor, OK but, first this administration has been fighting tooth and nail to avoid being caught in anything, and I mean anything, thus relying in civilian contractors even for wiping the ass of military officers. If anyone points at the misbehavior of any of the many, many mercenaires in Iraq, the standard answer is “well, the job is outsourced to a civilian corporation, and we can’t held them to the same standards of the military”, and second, almost each and every civilian contractor is a military veteran. So, if they don’t know and apply the standard military behavior is in purpose, and knowing the consequences perfectly.
February 9th, 2007 at 3:00 pmI forgot to add:
but at least this guy has a conscience.
Comment by Juan C
That’s what I was going to add.
It’s sad he couldn’t speak up then, but I’m glad he found the courage to speak up now — he’s going to need it.
February 9th, 2007 at 3:03 pmAnother reason to get rid of the contractors.
Comment by hacker bob
Yes. While that doesn’t guarantee no abuses, it certainly cuts down on the number of variables you have to keep track of.
February 9th, 2007 at 3:05 pm#11 has now proven that he’s an immature, misinformed typical troll. A recent survey of detainees indicated that about 75% of them have absolutely nothing to do with terrorism at all but were netted in the “money for terrorist turnover” scheme of this government where neighbors turned each other in to the authorities for money. Money whores!
February 9th, 2007 at 3:05 pmOutsourcing terror is one of the most twisted, devious sins of this administration and probably NOT brainchild Dubya’s original idea….wonder who is really pulling his puppet strings?? Pappy?? Rove?? I’m beginning to believe that it’s much deeper and much darker than the obvious due to his connections with terrorists in his oil companies in the 70’s and the BCCI….much, much darker.
February 9th, 2007 at 3:07 pmComment by Evil Spaniard
Again, I said it is a good reason to get rid of the contractors. From personal experiance I can tell you they do more harm than good. We had an incident when I was is Iraq in ‘05 where Iraqi civilians were getting “harrassment fire” by what they thought were US troops. No one was hurt physically, just scared. Come to find out it was a bunch of pissed off contractors that were doing it, not the troops.
Too many times the contractors think they are above the laws.
As you say, most of them are military vets, and they should know better. But they think the laws that govern the military (Geneva Conventions and such) do not cover them as they are not in uniform.
February 9th, 2007 at 3:10 pm#7
Kiss my hairy arse..
He only felt guilt 3 years later? Why not that night? Why not bring this up 3 years ago? Support the troops my ass. You mean support the criminals running, and ruining this country, again see my frist sentence, kiss my hairy.
Standing up for whats right has to happen “in the now” not 3 years later..
And speaking of RESPECT, how was this guy respecting another humans rights? American or not, we preach “All men are created equal, Innocent before proven guilty”
PS tom baker, I would have no issues spitting on you.
*SPIT*
February 9th, 2007 at 3:12 pm#31 – Bring it.
February 9th, 2007 at 3:15 pmBy the way, did you all notice that he was a civilian at the time, not in the Army?
Another reason to get rid of the contractors.
—- hacker bob
You know as well as I do that the orders to treat the prisoners this way came from high command.
Not one officer has been prosecuted for Abu Grabass, they have scapegoated the enlisted , National Guardsmen actually, that were stupid enough to follow illegal orders.
Contractors were just another way around, to prevent soldiers from refusing an illegal orders. This problem stems from the very top of the Bush Administration.
February 9th, 2007 at 3:17 pmbtw, blah – if you checked around, you’d find i’m from your side, but if you want to “frag me”, have at it. friendly fire is really hot right now.
February 9th, 2007 at 3:22 pmRightys love double standards, its the standard. They cannot comprehend it when the tables are turned.
February 9th, 2007 at 3:39 pmto the sleepless interogator, hey man if your conscience gets in the way of a good nights sleep ,try using the MSM as a sleep aid .It seems to work for the vast majority of the Amerikan population .
February 9th, 2007 at 3:41 pmAin’t karma a bitch?
February 9th, 2007 at 3:44 pmIt’s been thirty-seven years since I was in ‘nam….still have’n the dreams….America hasn’t learned a damn thing.
Comment by VietVet
I missed this post. Truly horrifying. I hope you find some piece.
February 9th, 2007 at 4:12 pm#11. Read some history. My father was a WWII Japanese POW who had PTDS before it was even named and it affected his whole life. I can’t believe that our country needs to stoop so low and to that of our “enemy”. I want the country back that this president and vice-president and cabal have stolen; the very country that my father survived 3 1/2 years of hell for. It is a crime what has happened. I give the author a lot of credit for FINALLY being able (to some degree) to talk about what he witnessed and sadly took part in. Maybe this will help others to tell their stories.
February 9th, 2007 at 5:04 pmComment by Wayne
Oh, I agree that the orders came from somewhere high up, and you make a good point about using civilians instead of troops so the troops won’t carry out an illegal order.
February 9th, 2007 at 6:00 pmI have a comment for both sides of this discussion, trolls on the right and the karma police on the left.
I had the pleasure of serving with the author of this op-ed piece, Eric Fair, in the 101st Infantry Division from 1997-1998. I can say, from my direct experience with Eric on my team and in the field, that he is a good man, with a sense of duty to his country (the one GW has stolen from us), character and belief.
So to the trolls, how dare any of you, who have never served, criticize this man who regrets the harm his actions brought to others and the stain it left on his soul, actions made in the conduct of your president’s war?
To the karma police, don’t you think we should learn from the mistakes of the right over the past 6 years, that righteousness serves no one in the cause of doing right in the world?
February 9th, 2007 at 6:50 pmOk, David, lets just sit back and let things happen…just like we have for the last 6 years. Not sure what you think you are accomplishing.
February 9th, 2007 at 9:59 pmI found this guys story heartbreaking. He will never be at peace with himself. He doesn’t need any more abuse from you.
February 9th, 2007 at 10:16 pmThe captive has taught a lesson to the captor. Karma has had her due. Both have learned, yet none have learned.
We still torture, and kill, for illusory goals: money, power, a false sense of control over others.
Why? because we fear our own deaths. And, collectively, we now fear extinction. Yet all the while, we continue on a course that leads to that which we fear the most.
Once we abandon our fear of death, and embrace our evolution, we become truly free.
February 9th, 2007 at 10:19 pmDavid
February 9th, 2007 at 10:27 pmNo one who has not felt the pangs of conscience from the torture of a fellow human being can truly understand the grief of watching their mother pass away. They are totally lacking a soul.
David,
February 9th, 2007 at 10:31 pmMy last was not aimed at you, but at the likes of JPark. I just realized it could be misconstrued.
Walt, what are you talking about? The “likes” of me? Perhaps you should read again.
February 9th, 2007 at 11:03 pmJPark,
February 9th, 2007 at 11:07 pmHere’s a starting point.
JPark,
February 9th, 2007 at 11:12 pmActually, I was respondinding to your post #42. #43 is a complete flip-flop.
No, Walt, it wasn’t…42 was sarcasm.
February 9th, 2007 at 11:26 pmPerhaps you should learn the fine art of irony before insulting me Walt.
February 9th, 2007 at 11:27 pmJPark, inflections and sarcasm don’t always come across when typing. It is always wise to use [/sarc] to avoid confusion. I am guilty of sometimes failing to do that… and someone usually jumps on it when I do. I’ve seen enough of your posts to understand where you are coming from.
namaste.
February 9th, 2007 at 11:46 pmBNF, I reread my comment and I don’t see how it could have been misconstrued. It was obvious.
February 9th, 2007 at 11:54 pmJPark , BNF – Geez,
February 10th, 2007 at 12:27 amHow a simple misunderstanding can open a hornet’s nest evades me, but that was the reason for WW I. If you wish to use sarcasm or irony, be sure to use the /sarcasm tag. I have been into science for fifty years or so and am therefore into exactness of statements. Sometimes, I mistype because of partial blindness, but never on purpose.
Walt, I did not use the tag because it wasn’t even good sarcasm. Very poorly disguised. That said, I know that your heart is in the right place and the last thing I want to do is argue with you. I am sorry.
February 10th, 2007 at 12:34 amJPark,
February 10th, 2007 at 12:41 amApology accepted. I’m sorry as well.
Ancient fart that I am, off to the rack. Back tomorrow.
February 10th, 2007 at 12:54 am