Gen. Ray Odierno, the top military commander in Iraq, at the Pentagon on Friday. Odierno has argued against releasing images of detainee abuse.
(Evan Vucci/AP)Photos (1 of 1)
Iraq general swayed Obama on detainee photos
Gen. Ray Odierno, along with other top defense officials, argued that releasing the images of alleged detainee abuse would endanger US troops abroad.
By Gordon Lubold | Staff writer/ May 13, 2009 edition
Washington
In a reversal of his previous position, President Obama will now oppose the release of more than 40 photos allegedly showing detainees being mistreated after deciding that releasing them could put American troops in danger and inflame anti-US sentiments abroad.
The change of heart apparently came after Gen. Ray Odierno, the top commander in Iraq, made a personal plea to the White House against releasing the images because they would endanger US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The images are thought to show US troops mistreating detainees overseas in ways reminiscent of the 2004 Abu Ghraib prison scandal.
The photos were to be released before May 28 per a federal judge’s order. Mr. Obama’s reversal now means that the administration will appeal that ruling. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday during a hearing on Capitol Hill that the case could go to the Supreme Court.
With this decision, Obama has probably angered the left but scored political points on the other side of the aisle.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which had sought the photos under a freedom of information request, likened Obama’s decision to the “stonewalling tactics” of the Bush administration.
“When these photos do see the light of day, the outrage will focus not only on the commission of torture by the Bush administration, but on the Obama administration’s complicity in covering them up,” said Anthony Romero, executive director of the ACLU, in a prepared statement. “Only by looking squarely in the mirror, acknowledging the crimes of the past and achieving accountability can we move forward and ensure that these atrocities are not repeated.”
The US military had long argued against the release of the photos but, in the words of one official, “ran out of cards to play.” After the administration said last month that it would not block the photos’ release, the military began preparing for the impact that the photos would have on the ground by “reaching out” to local leaders in Iraq and Afghanistan and explaining how the US has changed its interrogation policy.
But in the past month, General Odierno and Gen. David McKiernan, the top US commander in Afghanistan, made forceful arguments against the release of the photos. “Odierno made a very compelling case to the White House for his concerns and I would have to say that had enormous impact,” says a senior military official.
Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also argued against the release of the photos, though he recognizes the views on both sides, said a spokesman. “The chairman shares the president’s concern – and that of our ground commanders – over the potential harm to our troops that may result from the release of these photos, but he also understands the public’s legitimate interest in allegations of detainee abuse,” says Capt. John Kirby, a spokesman for Mullen.
Secretary Gates was easily convinced of the necessity of blocking publication of the photos.
“Our commanders, both General McKiernan and General Odierno, have expressed very serious reservations about this and their very great worry that these would cost American lives,” Mr. Gates told a House panel Wednesday. “That’s all it took for me.”
Gates had weighed in separately last month on release of the so-called “torture memos,” which offered legal rationales for harsh interrogation techniques, describing their release as inevitable. But the effect of the photos, which would have run continually on TV and newspapers, would have had a far more harmful effect, defense officials say.
Republicans who have condemned Obama’s stance on harsh interrogation tactics applauded Wednesday’s move. “Making these images [available] would only serve to embolden our enemies and increase the danger for our troops, and I support the president’s decision,” said House Republican leader Rep. John Boehner. “I hope the administration continues to vigorously defend this position in the weeks and months to come.”
Comments
3. slap-in-the-face | 05.13.09
If this is how the top brass feels about the release of theses photos, they should resign their commision. The atrocities commited are a command responsibility and as such they should be blamed and held accountable for these crimes.
4. Frank Stagg | 05.13.09
This is a complete no-brainer for me. The fact that Obama had to be persuaded by Odieno and only changed his mind at the last minute, indicates to me what a lightweight Barack actually is. He looks good in a suit but doesn’t have any depth. Of course the far left will cry piteously and the Obama spinners will make it sound as if this is some incredibly weighty decision that shows his great intellect. I say DUHHHHH!
5. Thomas Dark | 05.13.09
Umm..out of context. Sure, there are contexts where torture is acceptable. NOT!!!
6. Robert Martinez Jr | 05.13.09
Anthony Romero, executive director of the ACLU, in a prepared statement. “Only by looking squarely in the mirror, acknowledging the crimes of the past and achieving accountability can we move forward and ensure that these atrocities are not repeated.”
——————————————————-
Mr. Romero,
Specifically what “atrocities” were committed?
Your stance and that of the ACLU is clearly political grandstanding for the sole purpose of being vindictive against the former adminstration without regard for our troops who I suspect did not commit these “arocities” that you specifically can’t identify. Go back into your ACLU cellar and continue abusing with yourself.
7. Egads | 05.13.09
The ’sleeping dogs’ are the crypto-fascist curs just biding their time ’til their next time in power. Dick Cheney is already pushing Jeb as the next Puppet-in-Chief. We need a Truth Commission to purge ourselves of our own, home-grown fanatics…
8. kambiz | 05.13.09
it’s awful having your hands tied like this. if you release to the photos, showing the way the US military tortured, you anger those whose land we are occupying and “embolden” them to lash out.
on the other hand, if you don’t release the photos, the public doesn’t see the torture techniques the US used, and it’s sort of like sweeping it under the carpet, which diminishes the whole argument against torture.
9. DCX2 | 05.13.09
With or without the photos, the whole world still knows that the United States of America has in fact tortured people. This “victory” is like standing near a raging inferno with a can of gasoline in your hand and deciding that if you didn’t pour the gasoline on the fire it just might go out on its own.
10. Mark | 05.13.09
Ahh, I beg to differ with Greg. The change is that this POTUS listens to his commanders. What a concept. I am a liberal but the ACLU needs to take a deep breath. The pics will come out… perhaps not now, but they will come out. I don’t want a liberal or a conservative as the POTUS. I want a leader, decision-maker, and a pragmatist that looks out for his command and moves this country out of the Bush era. President Obama seems to be paying a huge price for his predecessor’s decision. There is little value in revisiting something to appeal to the prurient side of the American public.
11. FF | 05.13.09
In response to ‘Greg,’ the notion that there has been “no change from Bush” is hardly a fair statement. Obama’s original willingness to release the photos suggests he wants to expose the political policies and military actions associated with the “war on terror.” However, his concern of U.S. soldiers and human life dissuaded him from doing so.
The question that should be posed to the executive director of the ACLU is what price he is willing to pay to “acknowledg[e] the crimes of the past and achiev[e] accountability,” especially since these photos would outrage much of the international community regardless of whether it falls under Bush’s administration or not. I also feel that one does not need to be shocked and appalled to realize the mistreatment that has been occurring. In fact, releasing the photos would do nothing more than further undermine the handling of the war which, at this point, is widely recognized as a failure.
12. Jacob | 05.13.09
There’s been plenty of change….Bush did things purely out of ideology with no concern as to whether his policies were watertight or seaworthy. Obama has at least shown he uses his better judgment in making decisions, even if that decision ends up being the same as one of Bush’s.
13. Susn | 05.13.09
Dan Harper, what you have written is true. Thank you for being a voice of reason. I also think as you do, but feel Obama should have taken a stanch from the beginning to not have the pictures released.
14. Guytar | 05.13.09
The only reason Obama wants to prevent release of more photos is to avoid further enragement in the Muslim world and save lives. The fires are already burning. Throwing kerosene at this stage serves no purpose. Obama is Commander in Chief. He cannot ignore the realistic fears of his military commanders on the ground. In the end it will be up to the courts.
15. JPB | 05.13.09
The Who said it best: “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.” Obama should release these photos and forever cleanse the stain of the atrocities committed in the name of cowboy, conservatism and anti-muslim fanaticism during the Bush years. Barak, do the right thing.
16. Carolyn | 05.13.09
DUH!! Choosing to put all volunteer military personnel on ww trial by photo of a few who would have no chance to defend themselves seems at least a bit strange in light of the extreme care for the rights of pirates etc.
That the Commander in Chief of our volunteer military, including those pictured, needed to be taken aside for multiple reasoning sessions about obvious and unintended consequences before reversing his initial decision and deferring to the Supreme Court…
All the while, the secret service, also volunteers, remains vigilant and ready to lay down their lives for a fellow citizen, a lawyer Americans call Mr. President…
17. Jeff in Orlando | 05.13.09
Thank goodness for the General. It is nice to see Obama is in sync with Bush on a lot of things. Where is the change many were seeking? Obama has changed his mind and thinking more like Bush. I like it!!
18. CPF | 05.13.09
By not publishing the photos we invite the people who would be outraged by them to assume the worst. You know how the human mind works: “They’re hiding something. It must be terrible! Worse than the first set of photos!” Now that the story is out it will appear in the media accompanied by the old photos (already happening on Fox News) and cause just as much anger compounded with distrust stemming from more government secrecy.
19. John R. Affigne Jr | 05.13.09
I am an 85-year old retired high school teacher, a Columbia University graduate and an Army veteran twice. I agree 100% with the President’s decision. The President’s pragmatism should serve this nation and him well, and his decision should go a long way to mend fences with many countries. This is what the United States needs badly to resume a position of leadership in the world. A demonstration of the American character is more important than castigating past violations of earlier Administrations. Thank you.
20. Alan MacDonald | 05.13.09
The only path that could justify not releasing the photos would be instead to begin prosecution immediately.
IMHO, no matter how plaintively Obama may cry “Out, damn’d spot!” —- he will not be able to walk off of this tragic ‘war crimes’ stage until this most odious crime is expunged.
So for Obama, the superficially adored hero, the role of a modern Hamlet tentatively deciding whether “to be or not to be” for the war-crimes-Empire could be the last drama on this mortal coil.
Alan MacDonald
Sanford, Maine
21. SGT L. | 05.14.09
At this point in time releasing these photos serve no other purpose than to air the “truth” about torture and abuse, which, at this point, the whole world already knows and which the US military has acknowledged did happen in facilities like Abu Ghraib.
As a thinking liberal and an active duty Soldier, I applaud my commander-in-chief for adjusting fire on this. “Truth though heavens may fall” may be a liberal ideologue’s cherished tenet, but in this particular case, concern for my life and my buddies’ lives in a world—OUR world— far more violent than most liberals will ever get to experience except in documentaries and graduate theses, trump this unbending desire for ‘transparency.’
It’s a matter of principle for the civilian world; it could mean life and death for us who get to implement OUR country’s foreign policies on the ground in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. WE all have a hand in why thousands of us, your fellow Americans, cannot join in your little debate concerning the release of these photos in the confines of our dorm rooms, living rooms and chat rooms.
So I beseech you, liberals thrashing my commander-in-chief’s decision on the matter, please consider us, your fellow Americans who volunteered to serve a country we believe in as much as you do, please think of us a little bit as you ponder on the importance of your ‘principle’ concerning these photos.
22. Ghost Dansing | 05.14.09
Hidden in all this is the tacit acknowledgment that the practice of torture by the United States itself compromises the safety of troops abroad, and American troops that may be held prisoner in the future.
This argument, and the argument that torture does not achieve reliable intelligence in the first place, was dismissed by the Bush administration in favor of comic book-based (24) policies designed to make the United States appear to be “tough on terrorists”, largely for domestic political consumption.
23. David Jay Crispin | 05.14.09
Bravo, Mr. President. The ability to change your mind when required by facts is one of the most important traits for an effective leader. Your desire to get the facts out is admirable. Your understanding of the effect on our military is outstanding. Finally a President that actually respects and honors our military. It makes this retired sergeants heart beat a little stronger.
24. Gregpru | 05.14.09
Art Hoppe once portrayed Richard Nixon (in his alternate identity as “Mediocreman”) saying, “There’s a right answer, and a wrong answer, and the solution lies somewhere in between.” This seems to capture Obama’s policy on practically every issue he confronts.
But contrary to his leftwing critic’s, this is an improvement over Bush’s reflexive policy to cut taxes in response to every issue, or Cheney’s reflexive policy to break out the shotgun shells…
25. Sonya Wilt | 05.14.09
He made a good decision not to release the pictures. We need to let it go and try to get this economy back on track that has been wrecked since 9/11.
26. sunshine | 05.14.09
An editorial in Newsweek had it right. Except for the voiced outrage over the abuse at Abu Gharib, the American public was virtually silent when reports were made about torture tactics approved by the President and the Secretary of Defense with the prodding of then Vice-President Cheney. Our silence at that time actually gave tacit approval to what was happening. Now, after the fact, everyone is up in arms about what when on or justifying it given the US soldiers who were killed or the loss of lives on 9/11. Many have spoken up about the amount of misinformation gathered as a result of torture. Now President Obama is being vilified for having the courage to change his mind about a decision that he made. Most people see changing one’s mind as a sign of weakness when actually it takes a particular kink of strength to admit that one has changed one’s mind after gathering additional convincing information–something that “stiff-necked” President Bush could never do: it was he who said, “No, I regret no decision I made and would not change one of them.” Can people writing responses to this column make that statement and not expect to feel their noses growing. Releasing the photos would be dangerous because it would give the enemy the go-ahead to engage in the same practices with US prisoners of war they may now be holding. I don’t think some of those writing responses have taken time to think the issue through. Obama bashing is mindless and more fun.
27. Dr. Edwin E. Daniel | 05.14.09
I am a disabled veteran of WWII, an amputee from a Nazi mine. We fought the Nazis knowing that they tortured and with the help of allies we won.
Now I am supposed to applaud a CIC who fears to have the truth known about our torture. I would not serve in the military for such a man, a coward who is afraid of the truth.
Those who buy the argument that keeping these pictures concealed will help out troops lack the imagination to understand that the US has become the nation of deceit and cover-up in the eyes of the world. Only when we can proudly say that we stand for truth and for justice and when we are prepared to give up the role of military dictator to the world will out troops be safe.
28. Matt | 05.14.09
“There is little value in revisiting something to appeal to the prurient side of the American public.”
Amen - enough said.
29. Barry | 05.14.09
So photos of torture endanger US troops. Well then, it seems like those who carried out the torture endangered US troops, on purpose, in time of war. Sounds pretty close to what our Constitution defines as treason. Let’s try them in court.
30. bruce | 05.15.09
“Only by looking squarely in the mirror, acknowledging the crimes of the past and achieving accountability can we move forward and ensure that these atrocities are not repeated.”
99% wrong. I think the ACLU just needs another fundraising campaign for its lawyers. We’ve acknowledged there was torture, that it is wrong, and have stopped. You know it, I know it, they know it. While we haven’t properly held anybody accountable with prosecution, the release of these photos is NOT necessary. I could understand wanting them released if they were trying to deny everything and cover it up like Bush/Cheney. This administration should have decided not to release the photos a long time ago. There are many more serious issues to deal with first and the photos will be there when it is time to deal with them. I also believe releasing the photos will create more danger overseas for our troops and civilians and distract the country from more important issues.
31. leo | 05.19.09
We should have not punished the Nazis for war crimes after ww2 either! We should have just looked to the future. The future of the new American Nazi’s committing war crimes decades later!
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1. Dan Harper | 05.13.09
Sanity prevails. The naivete of the ACLU and many on the Left is embarrassing. It’s good to see that Obama is not a wild-eyed zealot; he’s proving his pragmatism by making sound decisions like this. Showing those photos, at this point, wildly out of context, would do nothing but flame the fires of radical Islam, driving the retaliation to a next phase of atrocities. And for what? So a holier-than-thou ACLU lawyer can wave the banner. Pragmatism prevails, and Obama has proved that he is a solid leader on this decision. The danger is not just with the troops, it lies within every single open and democratic city, in the US and abroad. The fanaticism that drove 9/11 to a reality is still there, and showing these photos would only revisit it. Let the sleeping dogs lie. And, these “detainees” are dogs. So be it.