Here are the countries that are on the US State Department's official list of those who use torture and other violations of basic, fundamental human rights.
Here's an example of some of the condemned practices:
Pakistan: The State Department reports that prolonged isolation, being chained to a cell wall, and denial of food or sleep are common torture methods.
Turkey: According to the 2001 and 2002 country reports, some of the many methods of torture employed by Turkish security forces and recognized by the State Department included repeated beatings; forced prolonged standing; isolation; exposure to loud music; stripping and blindfolding; food and sleep deprivation; and psychological torture including verbal threats and deception of a detainee, for example, instilling a false belief that the detainee is to be killed.
Saudi Arabia: The State Department noted that Ministry of Interior officials use sleep deprivation and suspension from bars with handcuffs as interrogation tactics.
There's just one little problem with the State Department's list... it doesn't have the United States on its own list. Not convinced it should be? Read below.
Today, Human Rights Watch released a
report today detailing the torture and human rights violations perpetrated by Americans in Afghanistan.
"The United States is setting a terrible example in Afghanistan on detention practices," said Brad Adams, executive director of the Asia division of Human Rights Watch. "Civilians are being held in a legal black hole - with no tribunals, no legal counsel, no family visits and no basic legal protections."
Human Rights Watch documented cases of U.S. forces using military tactics, including unprovoked deadly force, during operations to apprehend civilians in uncontested residential areas--situations where law enforcement standards and tactics should have been used. Afghan forces deployed with U.S. forces have also mistreated persons during search and arrest operations and looted homes.
The report also details mistreatment in U.S. detention facilities. Released detainees have said that U.S. forces severely beat them, doused them with cold water and subjected them to freezing temperatures. Many said they were forced to stay awake, or to stand or kneel in painful positions for extended periods of time.
"There is compelling evidence suggesting that U.S. personnel have committed acts against detainees amounting to torture or cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment," said Adams.
Well, don't feel too bad that the United States hasn't openly criticized itself concerning these abuses. After all, they don't criticize Saudi Arabia, Turkey or Pakistan either.
Just further proof that being a "good guy" in the eyes of America has nothing to do with moral or decent behavior. ANYTHING can be excused by America so long as you're doing it for the "right reasons".
Read the entire report for all the gruesome and tragic details.
Peace is the ONLY answer.