General David Petraeus Makes It Clear: Torture is NOT Acceptable

According to Petraeus, who writes in response to an extremely disturbing survey "conducted last fall in Iraq that revealed an apparent unwillingness on the part of some US personnel to report illegal actions taken by fellow members of their units."  In addition, according to Petraeus, the study "indicated that a small percentage of those surveyed may have mistreated noncombatants" and that this "should spur reflection on our conduct in combat."

In his letter (full text on the "flip"), Petraeus strongly denounces "torture or other expedient methods to obtain information from the enemy," adding that "[w]hat sets us apart from our enemies in this fight, however, is how we behave."  Now, why does it take General Petraeus to say this, and not President Bush, Vice President Cheney, Attorney General Gonzales, or any number of Republican "leaders" in Congress?  Do those people have no morality, no shame, no decency?  Well, at least we've got one important person - David Petraeus - with all of the above.

Thank you, David Petraeus, for reminding all of us what it means to be a true American!

I fully appreciate the emotions that one experiences in Iraq. I also know firsthand the bonds between members of the "brotherhood of the close fight." Seeing a fellow trooper killed by a barbaric enemy can spark frustration, anger, and a desire for immediate revenge. As hard as it might be, however, we must not let these emotions lead us-or our comrades in arms-to commit hasty, illegal actions. In the event that we witness or hear of such actions, we must not let our bonds prevent us from speaking up.

Some may argue that we would be more effective if we sanctioned torture or other expedient methods to obtain information from the enemy. They would be wrong. Beyond the basic fact that such actions are illegal, history shows that they also are frequently neither useful nor necessary. Certainly, extreme physical action can make someone "talk"; however, what the individual says may be of questionable value. In fact our experience in applying the interrogation standards laid out in the Army Field Manual (2-22.3) on Human Intelligence Collector Operations that was published last year shows that the techniques in the manual work effectively and humanely in eliciting information from detainees.

We are, indeed, warriors. We train to kill our enemies. We are engaged in combat, we must pursue the enemy relentlessly, and we must be violent at times. What sets us apart from our enemies in this fight, however, is how we behave. In everything we do, we must observe the standards and values that dictate that we treat noncombatants and detainees with dignity and respect. While we are warriors, we are also all human beings. Stress caused by lengthy deployments and combat is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign that we are human. If you feel such stress, do not hesitate to talk to your chain of command, your chaplain, or a medical expert.

We should use the survey results to renew our commitment to the values and standards that make us who we are and to spur re-examination of these issues. Leaders, in particular, need to discuss these issues with their troopers-and, as always, they need to set the right example and strive to ensure proper conduct. We should never underestimate the importance of good leadership and the difference it can make.

Thanks for what you continue to do. It is an honor to serve with each of you.

David H. Petraeus
General, United States Army
Commanding

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