‘Unable to Identify System Failures’

Excerpts from the summary of the report by Lt. Gen. Paul T. Mikolashek, inspector general of the U.S. Army, on the abuse of prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan:

*

The overwhelming majority of our leaders and soldiers understand and adhere to the requirement to treat detainees humanely and consistent with the laws of land warfare.

*

The abuses that have occurred in both Afghanistan and Iraq are not representative of policy, doctrine or soldier training. These abuses were unauthorized actions taken by a few individuals, coupled with the failure of a few leaders to provide adequate monitoring, supervision and leadership over those soldiers. These abuses, while regrettable, are aberrations when compared to their comrades in arms who are serving with distinction.

*

Based on this inspection, we were unable to identify system failures that resulted in incidents of abuse. These incidents of abuse resulted from the failure of individuals to follow known standards of discipline and Army values and, in some cases, the failure of a few leaders to enforce those standards of discipline.

*

The Army estimates that over 50,000 detainees have been captured or processed. While even one case of abuse is unacceptable, we conclude that given the volume of detainees and the potential for abuse in these demanding circumstances, the overwhelming majority of our soldiers and leaders are conducting these operations with due regard for the detainees’ right to be treated humanely and properly.