Senators Question Case Against Officer Accused of Abusing Iraq Detainee (Viva James Inhofe)

AP Breaking ^ | Nov 19, 2003 | Associated Press

[Lance Romance]

Senators Question Case Against Officer Accused of Abusing Iraq Detainee
The Associated Press
Published: Nov 19, 2003

WASHINGTON (AP) - A Republican senator said Wednesday that a U.S. lieutenant colonel accused of mistreating an Iraqi detainee probably was more worthy of commendation than punishment.

Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma said Lt. Col. Allen B. West was trying to protect his soldiers.

"I think the message if we were to end up punishing someone for doing what it took to protect the soldiers entrusted to his command, it would be the wrong signal," Inhofe said at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing with top Army officials.

The committee chairman, Sen. John Warner, R-Va., said lawmakers are concerned about the case.

"I know that (under) the Uniform Code we should protect everyone's rights, but don't let the lawyers have exclusive jurisdiction over what I call some sound judgments that have to be made by thoroughly seasoned combat soldiers like yourselves," Warner told Gen. Peter Schoomaker, the Army chief of staff, and acting Army Secretary Les Brownlee.

A U.S. military court is looking into allegations that West punched the detainee, an Iraqi policeman, and fired a pistol near him during an interrogation Aug. 20. West is also accused of threatening to kill the detainee if he didn't talk.

A preliminary investigation alleged that West's actions violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The court, on a U.S. base in Tikrit, Iraq, will determine whether West should face a court-martial.

Inhofe said unless some new information emerges at West's hearing, "I would continue to have the position that Lt. Col. West should be commended for his actions in interrogation that prevented an attack on the soldiers of his command. That's my feeling and I think others may share it but may not want to say it."

AP-ES-11-19-03 1547EST<p

[Lance Romance]

A Republican senator said Wednesday that a U.S. lieutenant colonel accused of mistreating an Iraqi detainee probably was more worthy of commendation than punishment.

Let's face it, terrorist insurgency is a dirty business and we need to get dirtier. No matter what France thinks.

[Lance Romance]

I noticed it took the AP to the final line to mention this soldier stopped an attack and saved soldiers.

Of course, it was only contained in a quote from James Inhofe.

How F---in pathetic cant the get?

[RetiredArmy]

Wasn’t it just back a few months or so ago when some type of poll was done asking people if they agreed that law enforcement, the military, etc. could use heavy-handed tactics, even torture to get the bad guys to talk. And even congress people agreed it was a good idea. I know that everything I read, people agreed it was fine with them to get these slime balls to talk.

[Sunshine Sister]

FINALLY!

[Eric in the Ozarks]

I don't think torture was really involved. Intimidation maybe.

[basque69]

Are the specific charges against West posted anywhere? There's a story that the prisoner was beaten. As a result of all this did West's command commit atrocities? Why was a serious incident report generated? There's more than meets the eye here.

[BOBTHENAILER]

I think the message if we were to end up punishing someone for doing what it took to protect the soldiers entrusted to his command, it would be the wrong signal," Inhofe said at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing with top Army officials.

Great post of some Senators' comments, that just might help get this situation right.

[yoe]

"...Lt. Col. West should be commended for his actions in interrogation..."

You bet he should! Who was the weasel who turned this report in on the Col? That is who should be court marshaled!

[Grampa Dave]

Time to tell the pink panty wearing Clintoon hold overs who charged this brave officer to resign or be charge for interferring with a combat officer while he was/is protecting his men.

Take out the JagOff pink panty Clintoon holdover, who initiated these charges, and have him/she/it check for land mines on the Syria border until it resigns.

[Lance Romance]

Search the FR, the charges are posted somewhere. I think the major complaint was that he fired a pistol near the guys head.

It wasn't anything like jumper cables on testicles or a pepper spray sandwich.

[shamusotoole]

If the prisoner was shot and killed, you could say the end didn't justify the means. But this!

If he is convicted, our enemies will dance.

[RetiredArmy]

I don't think torture was really involved. Intimidation maybe.

No, torture was discussed. I remember it clearly. People talked about it on the boob tube.

Basque69: From what I have read, LTC West got info that this guy knew, was part of attacks on his troops and a plot to kill him, LTC West. He fired his pistol into the ground or something to scare this slime ball. West was between the pistol and where he fired it and this dirtball. So, he would have been hit himself if the shot had hit something and come back up. The slimy started singing like a bird. Seemed fair enough to me. Guy is trying to kill you, you men, you do what you have to do to protect yourself and your men, even if it means blowing his stinking head off. I would never vote to convict him, not in a million years. Not after 9-1-1. As far as I am concerned, the rules changed with 9-1-1. Sometimes you just cannot fight fair. As I remember hearing in a movie one time: There is no such thing as a fair fight. You go into any fight to win otherwise you are going to get your face smashed in, butt kicked, or end up dead. You do what you have to do to win the fight. In this kind of fight, that means killing the bad guys. Seems ok by me. To hell with what the libs think.

[yoe]

Signers: 114976 A citizen petition on behalf of Lt. Col. Allen B. West, U.S. Army, who was indicted last week on criminal assault charges for the psychological intimidation tactic he used to acquire vital intelligence from a captured enemy combatant in Iraq -- intelligence that saved the lives of American soldiers facing imminent attack.

"[The enemy detainee] and his accomplices were a threat to our soldiers and the method was not right, but why should I lose 20 years of service or be forced into prison for protecting my men?," Col. West asks. Patriot Petitions poses the same question, and calls on fellow Patriots to come to the aid of Col. West and all line officers charged to prosecute our nation's ongoing war against Islamic terrorism and its state sponsors. How can we expect our frontline officers to fight wars the Bush administration calls "preemptive" if they are not given the latitude to respond -- preemptively -- to the asymmetric threats of terrorist aggressors? Would the deaths of American soldiers in the ambush Col. West thwarted at Saba al Boor have constituted a more acceptable result for the Army's judge advocate?

Please sign the petition to exonerate Col. West from this grossly misguided criminal prosecution.

(sign petition)

[Joe Marine 76]

If I'm not mistaken, I remember reading that LtCol West actually reported the incident to his boss.

[jwalsh07]

Rock on Jimmy Inhofe. An Army bump for an Army officer doing his duty.

[drypowder]

LINE UP OUR SOLDIERS IN A STRAIT LINE, ORDER THEM TO WALK DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREETS AND COMMAND THEM TO FIRE ON ANY TERRORIST AS SOON AS THEY SEE ONE. Sound foolish? This guy deserves a medal!

[Jeff Head]

"I know that (under) the Uniform Code we should protect everyone's rights, but don't let the lawyers have exclusive jurisdiction over what I call some sound judgments that have to be made by thoroughly seasoned combat soldiers like yourselves"

Exactly, Inhofe is nailing it here IMHO.

[woodyinscc]

Take out the JagOff pink panty Clintoon holdover, who initiated these charges, and have him/she/it check for land mines on the Syria border until it resigns

"It" is right, and there is no doubt in my mind that "it" got there through Clinton or as the result of his policies.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

You nailed it.

[Political Junkie Too]

Perhaps the people who brought the charges against West should be brought up on charges and drummed out of the military? If we're going to send our "children into harm's way," wouldn't we want Col. West leading the charge?

-PJ

[basque69]

On the face of it I completely agree with you (I did interrogations in Nam). However, there's something here that bothers me. What was the impact of the colonel's action on his unit? Why was a serious incident report generated? The division commander is one hell of a fine soldier and wouldn't do something like this lightly. I would love to see the charges and specifications befor I got too excited.

[woodyinscc]

Inhofe is nailing it here IMHO.

A word to the wise should be sufficient. This gentle rebuke, may be enough. Let us hope so.!

[Lance Romance]

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35688

WND article. It seems he only threatened the guy and fired a gun near his head.

[HardStarboard]

Highly recommended! Sign the Petition!!

I signed the petition a couple of days ago, and wrote my worthless girl Senators as well as a Congresscritter.

This prosecution is a frigg'in TRAVESTY!

[woodyinscc]

WND article. It seems he only threatened the guy and fired a gun near his head

The Col. deserves a medal! My comment was too oblique, I meant the rebuke to the Generals, Inhofe was addressing. I hope it does not reach the Court Martial stage.

[Grampa Dave]

"It" is right, and there is no doubt in my mind that "it" got there through Clinton or as the result of his policies.

Regardless, as the old Navy saying goes, "It is past time to $hitcan it! Just get rid of it!"

[Grampa Dave]

"It" is right, and there is no doubt in my mind that "it" got there through Clinton or as the result of his policies.

Regardless, as the old Navy saying goes, "It is past time to $hitcan it! Just get rid of it!"

[Grampa Dave]

"It" is right, and there is no doubt in my mind that "it" got there through Clinton or as the result of his policies.

Regardless, as the old Navy saying goes, "It is past time to $hitcan it! Just get rid of it!"

[Sender]

I was watching cable news last night and some reporter asked a GI if he would have fired a pistol next to the prisoner's head under the same circumstances if the prisoner was known to be involved in a coming attack.

"No," replied the GI, "I would have blown his brains out."

[woodyinscc]

It is past time to $hitcan it! Just get rid of it!"

LOL

I truely believe that President Bush is neutralizing these Clinton moles, one by one, under the radar, as they continue to out themselves. The ones that remain will serve his purpose

[Cooter]

Exactly, Inhofe is nailing it here IMHO.

The quote you posted was from Sen. John Warner. </nitpick>

[PISANO]

I noticed it took the AP to the final line to mention this soldier stopped an attack and saved soldiers.

Yet another example of blatant BIAS and extreme ARROGANCE that IS the leftist MEDIA.

[Grampa Dave]

I know that Rummey has popping them off like a marksman shooting gophers/ground squirrels when they stick their heads out of their holes.

There are just too many in the other governmental divisions/departments.

[RetiredArmy]

Charge I: Violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 134

Specification: In that Lieutenant Colonel West, United States Army, did on or about (date and time) at Cess Pool, Iraq, cause an enemy of the United States to piss in his pants when said LTC West discharged his weapon, to wit: a 9MM Browning pistola into the ground, thus scaring the loving crap out of said enemy.

That is about all I could charge the dude with! ;^)

[talleyman]

The committee chairman, Sen. John Warner, R-Va., said lawmakers are concerned about the case.

Great post! "Keep those cards & letters coming in!"
Let's keep up the pressure - I signed the petition (does anyone ever actually receive them?) - and emailed Warner & Allen, mentioning my displeasure at the legal snipers far from enemy fire who take pot shots at real soldiers. I say promote West to General & put him in charge!

[BOBTHENAILER]

Fox News just had a superb segment on Lt. Col Allan West. Very positive.

[woodyinscc]

I say promote West to General & put him in charge

This man mortgaged his future for the sake of his men. The mealy mouthed, appeasing lefty dims, mortgage America, for the sake of political power. How anyone can pull the lever for one of these rats is beyond my comprehension. I understand the need for discipline and integrity in the military. Col. West met this criteria when he sent his report to his superior. The wisdom of Solomon is called for here, a decision to keep Col West whole.

[itsahoot]

Sadly former congressman Bob Barr was on Fox the other day insisting that this guy broke the law and must be punished.

Reason number 99987 why you should never trust a lawyer. Bob by the way now represents the ACLU, how could this guy hide his real nature for so long?

[Gatún(CraigIsaMangoTreeLawyer)]

If the prisoner was shot and killed, you could say the end didn't justify the means.

I would.

[archy]

Exactly, Inhofe is nailing it here IMHO.

Sounds to me like Inhofe should call LTC West as a witness. And so that the Col. can testify truthfully and fully without fear that terrorist sympathizers in the same uniform as his would use his testimony aghainst him, he'd have to be given full congressional immunity....

-archy-/-