Torture by Another Name

Robert Fisk is, without doubt, the pre-eminent commentator and writer on matters relating to the Middle East. A reporter in the "old" mould [and that isn't a criticism of him] he knows his stuff not only because he is actually there, on the spot, but he does his home-work in establishing the facts. It certainly was a treat to hear Fisk speak recently when in Australia.

Yes, many don't like what he says. He is not right all the time - but probably what he says is too close to the bone.

In one of his latest pieces Fisk "covers" how the word "torture" is now becoming "abuse". Also worth reflecting on is how Fisk takes up the way in which the Americans are looking to "prevail" in Iraq. Not winning! That the US - and by default the UK and Australia - say they did back in 2003. Perhaps they had better explain that to the families of the escalating number of deceased US soldiers and those injured. And let's not forget the poor Iraqis. They are suffering enormously in all ways. Their deaths and injuries have been huge. On a practical day-to-day level all reports point to the water and electricity supply now being worse than it was before the invasion.

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