Abu Ghraib - abuse not directed from the top

It is a rare day when I can recommend a BBC article. In fact, I think this is only the third time; the second being for this same reporter. Paul Reynolds report is pretty even handed and should be a model or other BBC reporters.

"The lack of convictions among the senior ranks leaves doubt as to whether the abuse was part of a wider policy of condoning or even encouraging the breaking of prisoners' morale in advance of interrogation. ...

And Joe Darby, the soldier who blew the whistle by giving to investigators a CD of the photos presented to him by Charles Graner, also denied it was organised from on high.

In a long interview with Gentleman's Quarterly, he said: "Everybody thinks there was an order from high up, or that somebody in command must have known.

"Everybody is wrong. Nobody in command knew about the abuse, because nobody in command cared enough to find out. That was the real problem...

Gen Taguba did not find that there was a deliberate policy of abuse ordered from above.

"There was sadism that was certainly not authorised," he reported. "It was kind of like 'Animal House' on the night shift."

What was done was wrong and those that were responsible have been punished. Those that should have done their duty and paid more attention, have also been punished. The one punished the most is America's image.

Well done on an excellent article Paul.