Secrets in the Mountains of Afghanistan

[Jcrowley]

Secrets in the Mountains of Afghanistan
The concealed deaths of two detainees at Gardez paints a troubling picture of abuse by U.S. Special Forces units there.

By Kevin Sack and Craig Pyes
Special to The Times

09/24/06 "Los Angeles Times' -- -- GARDEZ, Afghanistan — After completing their deployment to this remote firebase, the Green Berets of ODA 2021 left for home covered in glory.

The 10-member Special Forces team, part of the Alabama National Guard, returned to their families in the spring of 2003 with tales to tell of frenzied firefights and narrow escapes. Its commander had nominated each of his men — as well as himself — for medals for valor. The team's performance was heralded as evidence that the Guard could play as equals with the regular Army in the war on terrorism.

But the team also had come home with secrets.

Apparently unknown to Army officials, two detainees had died in the team's custody in separate incidents during the unit's final month in eastern Afghanistan. Several other detainees allege that they were badly beaten or tortured while held at the base in Gardez.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article15081.htm

[orwell]

1. Let's not let reality get in the way...

...of a good myth...