WORLD

WORLD'S OPINIONS: JUNE 2004

President Bush's lack of apology is abhorrent, as is his blanket statement that these were isolated incidents. The military has already ruled two deaths as criminal homicides and is investigating thirty others, not only in Iraq, but in Afghanistan as well. Until the president learns to be honest with his own people and the rest of the world, the Arab community, and the rest of us, for that matter, have a lot to be concerned about.
Sarah Billington, Columbia, Missouri, USA

I'm sick and tired of hearing Bush saying things to placate the masses about the "War", while the actions of his administration continue to demonstrate indifference to everything except the economic gains to be had from controlling Iraq's natural resources. At least there will be an election this year where we can get Bush out of office!
Adam Steed, Columbus, Ohio, USA

As much as I oppose the current occupation in Iraq and George Bush's policies, I find it amazing that there are protests outside the prisons in Iraq condemning the treatment of the prisoners. There is much worse that happens in prisons across the Arab world, and let's not forget how Saddam Hussain used to treat his prisoners.
George Slater, London

Bush is honestly offended, as all Americans are, at the treatment of some of the prisoners in Iraq. Any Arab concerns over the recent photos should be tempered by the realisation of their own governments' recent histories of abuses on citizens and foreigners alike. The US will investigate and punish those who committed these offences. The Arab populace should demand the same of their own.
John Murray, Dallas, TX, USA

Actions speak louder than words. If the US acted in a fairer, more just and less hypocritical way in Iraq and the Middle East perhaps the president wouldn't need to go making such appearances?
N. Hawkins, London

George W may consider the pictures 'abhorrent' yet he failed to apologise for the troops' behaviour or make any mention of the cruel and inhuman treatment outside any form of international law of the prisoners still imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay. His hypocrisy will not go unnoticed within the Arab world.
John Bradley, City, London

I believe that the president made it very clear to the world that the behaviour depicted in the images is not condoned by the American government, its people nor the vast majority of the American armed forces. It is a sad event that will be abhorred by the Arab world and beyond, and the damage has already been done. But for his sake, I feel that President Bush has taken the prudent steps to denounce the mistreatment depicted in the images.
Matthew Kellogg, Dallas, Texas, USA

Soldiers can only kill strangers if they are taught that their enemies are worthless. Whilst I am certainly not saying they should be excused, this exposes the reality of war that governments and the media try to hide from us
Lee, Ormskirk, Lancs

I believe that this has lost us any chance of winning the war on terrorism. Going on television without accepting any responsibility is pathetic. Some heads should roll including Rumsfeld for all the miscalculations. These people are putting British troops at risk. I think the only real solution is for Bush to say that he will not run for re-election just as Lyndon Johnson did. That would be the most honourable action. Clean the slate and move on with new leadership.
Roland, Watford, England

There is absolutely nothing the US president can say to wash away the humiliation caused by his troops. As an Arab I feel angry and I am sorry but the only way out for the US is withdrawal.
Zakaria, Paris, France

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