Abu Ghraib: The Politics of Torture

by David Levi Strauss, Charles Stein, Barbara Ehrenreich (Contributor)

Abu Ghraib unveiled a lengthy list of disastrous actions and cover-ups by the Bush administration and the American military. Abu Ghraib examines the problem from many different perspectives, gathering together timely essays on the prison scandal from prominent progressive writers. Barbara Ehrenreich looks at the story through the lens of feminism, noting that the most infamous photos involve female soldiers. John Gray argues that Iraq is worse than Vietnam. Looking to future ramifications, Meron Benvenisti reflects on the "powerless rage" of an occupied culture. David Matlin deconstructs President Bush's declaration that the Abu Ghraib images do not represent America. Giving voice to those directly impacted, Mark Danner reports on the anger and humiliation experienced by the victims and their families. This book provides a broader understanding of the issue and its repercussions.

Genres: Politics, United States

152 pages, Paperback

First published November 23, 2004

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Nine essayists tackle what the prison abuse scandal (of Abu Ghraib) means for America now and in the future and what it says about how we see ourselves and how we're perceived by others." (quoted from back cover)

Abu Ghraib is a stain on the integrity of a country that touts freedom and democracy but doesn't really live up to its claims. The use of torture by America flies in the face of the Geneva Convention and the rights of prisoners (most of whom were innocent of any terrorist involvement).

A shockingly descriptive book about how the biggest military complex in the world allowed torture and neglect in its Iraqi prison and how such actions were approved up the chain of command all the way to the White House. Little to no relevant information was obtained by military intelligence even after using torture. Some prisoners died while the rest have suffered untold mental, psychological and physical scars for life. America truly has blood on her hands...

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just read Barbara Ehrenreich's essay.