By Sasha Uzunov
Copyright 2008
A report in today’s The Australian newspaper by Mark Dodd has revealed that Australian soldiers are detaining Afghan Taliban suspects in dog pens, which are culturally insensitive.
Before we jump on the Abu Ghraib Iraqi prisoner scandal bandwagon here, let us get all the facts before we condemn our soldiers.
I have visited Afghan administered prisons in Kabul in 2008, and Kandahar in 2007 and 2008.
Let me tell you, it is not the place I would like to be held. The NDS (Afghan Intelligence) run Detention centre for Taliban suspects in Kandahar has improved as the local authorities are eager to comply with western standards.
I am sure our soldiers are aware of the Geneva Convention and prisoner of war procedures and so on.
The balance that needs to be weighed up is keeping suspects safe and secure, and cultural sensitivity. In a war zone this is something very hard to juggle. But it is part of the winning of hearts and minds.
Photo of Taliban suspect being held in NDS detention centre in Kandahar 2007. A small, clean cell. copyright Sasha Uzunov 2007.
Links:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24279569-601,00.html
Fury as Diggers admit Taliban held in dog pens
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Ghraib_torture_and_prisoner_abuse – 181k
Video: Interview with an Afghan suicide bomber
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3xSEGHm5xQ
Scott Taylor on NDS Detention Centre, Kandahar
http://www.espritdecorps.ca/Visit%20to%20Kandahar%20prison/Visit%20to%20Kandahar%20prison.htm
Sasha Uzunov interviewed on Triple J ABC radio about captured teenage Afghan suicide bomber
http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hack/notes/s2287075.htm