and why are we still talking about abu ghraib?  i thnk after the 70th NYTimes cover story, we GET what happened

Islamophobia??  Have you been watching what these islamists have been doing over the past couple of weeks?  We don't have a "phobia," we have a legitimate fear.  You're right, it's not about cartoons - these animals are real - I'm afraid they're not just caricatures. 

J. McCutchen "JmacSF"

San Francisco. CA

Martii, you were just being scarcastic, pullin my leg, busting my chops right?

J. McCutchen "JmacSF"

San Francisco. CA

 No question but that Abu Ghraid War College and Recruiting Center is a valuable asset, but the insurgency continues to strengthen across the board, outside the walls.

Contrary to the saccharine musings of a  dwindling few diehards like Will Marshall at the DLC (don't worry Alice - Iraq's like we were in 1776), failure hasn't been an option in Iraq for quite some time.

National Strategy for Victory in Iraq - Progress Rept 

International Crisis Group - Insurgency Consolidating

Key Findings:

• The insurgency increasingly is dominated by a few large groups with sophisticated communications.
• There has been gradual convergence around more unified practices and discourse, and predominantly Sunni Arab identity.
• Despite recurring contrary reports, there is little sign of willingness by any significant insurgent element to join the political process or negotiate with the U.S.
• The groups appear acutely aware of public opinion and increasingly mindful of their image.
• The insurgents have yet to put forward a clear political program or long-term vision for Iraq.
• The insurgency is increasingly optimistic about victory.

Is it possible, that the responsibility for the sadistic sexual torture went higher than Petty Officer Charles Graner and that part-time Reserve female General?

Abu Ghraib is still talked about because that was when the US lost the 'hearts and minds' in Iraq. Spreading 'freedom' might mean increasing the voltage on your genitals. The fact that Bush/Cheney tried to kill the McCain amendment, then re-wrote the Army field manual and kept portions classified, and then said they can ignore Congress on the issue leads many to believe they will continue to torture. Closing GITMO and firing Rumsfeld/Gen. Miller would be a start to turn around this PR disaster, but it will never happen with Bush/Cheney in charge. Americans on the ground in Iraq will continue to pay the price for these crimes. The Islamic world, and the world at large, will likely always associate the Iraq war, Bush, and America with these images of human degradation and torture.