What a fitting name for this documentary. When Rory Kennedy approached me about this film I tried at first to not do it. At that time I was not interested in facing the ghosts or demons of that place anymore. It was easier just dealing with them in my dreams.
Rory shared with me the vision or idea that she had about the film. After a couple of conversations she had me convinced. In my heart I was hoping and longing for someone to dig deep into the war at Abu Ghraib and show the world that there was more to the story than fancy sound bites or clichés.
The sharp and painful memories of that place never dull. It is a haunting all of its own. What makes it even more painful is having the knowledge that Abu Ghraib happened not because of a "few bad apples" or "seven rogue M.P.'s" but because of false Intel and lies from an administration who wanted to go to war with Iraq. These lies lead to unclear ROE's (Rules of Engagement) and the tragedies too many to mention in this war.
Iraqis were not only abused at Abu Ghraib but murdered as well. No one has been put on trial for the murders. The ones tried and convicted were low ranking soldiers who developed what they did at the request of civilian contractors and the intelligence units. The civilian contractors did not fall under the same guidelines as the military so they were the true rogues of the war. The leadership that failed to help or stand-up for the soldiers acted as cowards and should be ashamed of their actions.
There is no way to excuse abuse or murder. What makes one right or just is their actions. Many say look what they do to us over there. They cut our heads off. The fact still remains that a lie is what got us into this. If not for that lie we would not be getting our heads cut off and our integrity and honor as Americans would not be as jaded as it is now.
If we want the truth then we have to face what the truth is about. The truth is not about an insurgency but it is about flawed leadership and major profiteering. We have to realize that on this one we were wrong.
As American's why do we think we are always right? We are human so we can be wrong. Maybe when the true criminals of this war are held accountable by being tried and convicted the Ghosts of Abu Ghraib can find peace.