Pentagon: Abuse photos pose risk
Release of Abu Ghraib images would stoke insurgent
violence, general says.

By JULIA PRESTON
The New York Times

http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/08/12/sections/news/focus_security/article_63\
2189.php

NEW YORK – Senior Pentagon officials have opposed the
release of photographs and videotapes of the abuse of
detainees at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, arguing they
would incite public opinion in the Muslim world and
put the lives of U.S. soldiers and officials at risk,
according to documents unsealed in federal court.

Gen. Richard B. Meyers, the chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, said in a statement that he believed
that "riots, violence and attacks by insurgents will
result" if the images are released.

The documents reveal both the high level and the
determination of the Pentagon officials engaged in the
effort to block the disclosure of the images. In his
statement, dated July 21, Myers said he became aware
June 17 that the photos' release might be imminent. He
said he consulted with Gen. John P. Abizaid, the U.S.
central commander, and Gen. George Casey, the
commander of the U.S. forces in Iraq. Both officers
also opposed the release, Myers said.

His statement makes it clear that he has examined the
images and finds them disturbing. "I condemn in the
strongest terms the misconduct and abuse depicted in
these images," he said in the statement. "It was
illegal, immoral and contrary to American values and
character."

The ACLU was authorized Thursday by Judge Alvin K.
Hellerstein to make public papers it filed Aug. 3
contesting the Pentagon's argument that the images
must be withheld because they present a risk to the
lives and safety of individuals. The ACLU said that
the government was seeking to withhold the photos only
"to avert adverse reaction," undermining the purpose
of the information act.

The ACLU's papers drew attention to the Pentagon's
filings, which had been unsealed last week. "The
situation on the ground in Iraq is dynamic and
dangerous," Myers said, with 70 insurgent attacks
daily. He also said there was evidence that the
Taliban, though still weak, was gaining ground because
of popular discontent in Afghanistan.

Myers cited the violence that erupted in some Muslim
countries after Newsweek's publication in April of an
item, later retracted, saying that a Quran had been
thrown in a toilet in the U.S. detention center in
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He also said the images could
fuel terrorist disinformation campaigns.

"It is probable that al-Qaida and other groups will
seize upon these images and videos as grist for their
propaganda mill which will result in, besides violent
attacks, increased terrorist recruitment, continued
financial support and exacerbation of tensions between
Iraqi and Afghani populaces and U.S. and coalition
forces," Myers said.

A hearing is scheduled for Monday for Hellerstein to
weigh the latest arguments.




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