Want a Different Abu Ghraib Story? Saddam had their hands cut off. America gave them new ones.

WSJ Opinion Journal ^ | May 14, 2004 | DANIEL HENNINGER

[FairOpinion]

It is the story of Americans, in and out of the U.S. government, who moved mountains to help seven horribly maimed Iraqi men.

As perfect justice, the story in fact begins in Abu Ghraib prison, in 1995. With Iraq's economy in a tailspin, Saddam arrested nine Iraqi businessmen to scapegoat them as dollar traders. They got a 30-minute "trial," and were sentenced, after a year's imprisonment, to have their right hands surgically cut off at Abu Ghraib prison.

Last year, after we liberated Iraq, a veteran TV news producer named Don North--who has worked for major U.S. broadcasters--was in Baghdad with the U.S. to restore TV service. Iraqi contacts there brought him a tape of the men's amputations. Mr. North says dismemberment was common in Saddam's Iraq and that if one walks down a crowded Baghdad street one may see a half-dozen people missing an ear, eye, limb or tongue. He decided to seek out the men whose stubbed arms represented the civilized world's lowest act--the perversion of medicine.

He found seven. Mr. North determined to make a documentary of their story and get medical help for them. How he found that help, if one may still use this phrase, is an all-American story.

The Iraqi men are in Houston now, spending five hours a day learning to use their new right hands. And oh yes, the brands on their heads were removed.

[FairOpinion]

A story of American compassion --worth the read.

Of course, predictably, this does not get much play in the media.

[FairOpinion]

Iraqi good news ping.

[MEG33]

I know because it is a Texas story and have used it as an example of the difference in us and them, Saddam's justice and ours...Hope Cair reads this..Perhaps the Arab News will ask to feature the story/s..Bet AlJazeera picks this up./s

[Mon]

This was shown on KOVR13 Sacramento in the morning for about 10-15 minutes, I was surprised! The only station though I think in my area that showed it. They even interviewed those guys.

[fhayek]

Regarding the photos coming out of Abu Ghraib. Aren't they about sex? If any of the subjects lies about sex, hasn't that been established as an acceptable defense. After all, who wouldn't lie about sex?

[vbmoneyspender]

This crime deserves condemnation from international medical societies, such as the U.N.'s World Health Organization, or the Red Cross. And Don North's film indeed should be seen--but may not be. After two months of trying, no U.S. broadcast or cable network will take it. This is incredible. TV can run Abu Ghraib photos 24/7 but can't find 55 minutes for Saddam's crimes against humanity?

Fox should show this if for no other reason than that it would get huge ratings.

[FairOpinion]

"After all, who wouldn't lie about sex?"

==

I can't imagine to whom you could be referring. ;)

[FairOpinion]

"Fox should show this if for no other reason than that it would get huge ratings."

==

I agree. It's time to add some "fairness and balance".

[GailA]

Even FNC is running the abuse story over and over again with no balance of the good things our Troops are doing.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Good news ((hug)), FairOpinion.

Our allied reporters are not caving into their misled/leading peers.

They are so brave!

Ping (and prayers) for the "happy few" good guys in the press, FRiends and allies who continue stand with them, and for the truth and the troops we love and support.

[anniegetyourgun]

"Let's show the good side of what we can do."

Oh, Mr. North, if only our so-called media would....

[OXENinFLA]

To give them credit, I saw this reported on WOLRDLINK TV's MOASIC news.

It was an AL-HURRA(the TV station ran by the DOD) that did the report.

I believe there was about 12-15 Iraqis that were flown to Huston and given new hands.

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[kellynla]

Excellent heart warming story.

Unfortunately, it will be ignored by the television media.

Maybe we should FReep FNC!

Hello, Brit Hume???

[kellynla]

Laura Ingraham is reading this piece on her show NOW!

[Valin]

Hope Cair reads this..Perhaps the Arab News will ask to feature the story/s..Bet AlJazeera picks this up./s


Oh I'm sure they will, right after the NY Times prints it on their front page.
(no ones gonna outsarcasm me!) :-)

[blackie]

We are winning ~ the bad guys are losing ~ trolls, terrorists, democrats and the mainstream media are sad ~ very sad!

~~ Bush/Cheney 2004 ~~

[MEG33]

Right after Senator Kennedy speaks about it on the floor of the Senate....;)

[aculeus]

Bump!