Truth and Reconciliation -- One Step at a Time

From Reuters, comes this report that Lt. Colonel Steven L. Jordan will face a court martial trial for his role in the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. The Reuters article only briefly touches on the allegations against Lt. Colonel Jordan, stating that

Jordan is charged with cruelty and maltreatment of detainees as well as making false statements and obstruction of justice, disobeying a superior officer and failure to obey orders.

However, a more complete listing of Jordan's alleged crimes can be found in this entry from Wikipedia:

A preponderance of evidence supports that LTC Jordan did, or failed to do, the following:

Failed to properly train Soldiers and civilians on the ICRP.

Failed to take full responsibility for his role as the Director, JIDC.

Failed to establish the necessary checks and balances to prevent and detect abuses.

Was derelict in his duties by failing to establish order and enforce proper use of ICRP during the night of 24 November 2003 (IP Roundup) which contributed to a chaotic situation in which detainees were abused.

Failed to prevent the unauthorized use of dogs and the humiliation of detainees who were kept naked for no acceptable purpose while he was the senior officer-in-charge in the Hard Site.

Failed to accurately and timely relay critical information to COL Pappas, such as:

The incident where a detainee had obtained a weapon.

ICRC issues.

Was deceitful during this, as well as the MG Taguba, investigations. His recollection of facts, statements, and incidents were always recounted to avoid blame or responsibility.

His version of events frequently diverged from most others.

Failed to obey a lawful order to refrain from contacting anyone except his attorney regarding this investigation.

He conducted an e-mail campaign soliciting support from others involved in the investigation.

To date, Lt. Colonel Jordan is the highest ranking military official to face trial for the abuses committed at Abu Ghraib. No charges have yet been brought forth against the civilian leaders responsible for the torture and abuse, namely, former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and current Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.