Recipe for torture

National Catholic Reporter, June 4, 2004 by Frank P. Belcastro, Martin Deppe

The torturing of Iraqi prisoners at the Abu Ghraib prison by U.S. occupying forces has shocked the world, but for most Palestinians it comes as no surprise. In fact, tens of thousands of Palestinians who have served time in Israeli prisons and detention centers see striking similarities between Israeli treatment of Palestinian prisoners and American treatment of Iraqi detainees. In some cases, the torture technique of form of mistreatment is almost identical, some former Palestinian prisoners told journalists. One prisoner said that the so-called hooding technique--whereby the detainee's head is covered with a rancid-smelling sack for weeks or months--was always "the first order of business" in Israeli interrogation centers.

In Israel, it is an ugly occupation, and Israel doesn't make any pretensions about it. But in Iraq, the United States is humiliating and torturing the Iraqis under the rubric of freedom and democracy. Perhaps this is what they really mean when they talk about freedom and democracy--namely, liberating the Iraqis from their dignity.

FRANK P. BELCASTRO

Dubuque, Iowa

How to make a torturer:

Place two cups of war in bowl. Blend in two tablespoons each of fear, denial, lies, impatience, and arrogance (use "We Know Best" if available).

Stir in one teaspoon of righteousness (self-variety). Add a pinch of racism. Mix thoroughly.

Pour into well-oiled pan. Sprinkle with a few more lies.

Bake at 500 degrees for 9-11 minutes. Serve immediately.

This is a recipe for disaster.

(The Rev.) MARTIN DEPPE

Chicago