One can almost hear the captive jihadists at Abu Ghraib crying very, very hard for the Americans to come back. A little hazing now must seem like an innocent fraternity picnic, enduring as they are an excrement diet (literally) and other indignities. And there is always a real possibility of a bullet in the head for too much complaining. It should be noted, however, that they are not treated any worse than most captured combatants throughout history. It is only in contemporary America that we feel obliged to provide our murderous enemies with three—course meals, Korans and first—rate healthcare.

Now that the Americans are gone the Abu Ghraib inmates have truly fallen on hard times. All that we can say is: 'Welcome to the real world and keep dreaming about club Gitmo.'

Vasko Kohlmayer   9 11 06