Quotable: Taguba accuses Bush administration of 'war crimes'

Posted By Blake Hounshell Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 3:07 PM Share

Via Andrew Sullivan, some very harsh words from Antonio Taguba, the now-retired general who investigated the Abu Ghraib abuses in 2004:

After years of disclosures by government investigations, media accounts, and reports from human rights organizations, there is no longer any doubt as to whether the current administration has committed war crimes. The only question that remains to be answered is whether those who ordered the use of torture will be held to account.

I can't speak to the legalities here, but I have a question for readers on the politics. Does throwing around charged phrases like "war crimes" help or hurt Taguba's cause?

EXPLORE:BUSH ADMINISTRATION, HUMAN RIGHTS, LAW

(3)

HIDE COMMENTS LOGIN OR REGISTER REPORT ABUSE

NQUIXOTE

5:39 PM ET

June 19, 2008

Since it's unlikely that

Since it's unlikely that anyone in the Bush administration will ever be prosecuted for authorization of torture, the main effect of a report like this will be on public opinion. The strong language is headline-grabbing and may therefore be helpful.

BSCHMOCK

9:05 PM ET

June 19, 2008

helps

i would think speaking the truth only helps his case--war crimes would be the truth of the matter

RUFUSJSQUIRREL

9:29 PM ET

June 19, 2008

Spade's a Spade

And it never hurts to call it such. Especially when you're someone that's investigated this in every possible detail.

Passport, FP’s flagship blog, brings you news and hidden angles on the biggest stories of the day, as well as insights and under-the-radar gems from around the world.