The Command Post - Iraq - Iraq Army Uses Execution to Keep Discipline,

April 04, 2003

Iraq Army Uses Execution to Keep Discipline,

Iraqi military commanders are using executions and beatings to maintain discipline among their troops in northern Iraq where food rations are running out, a leading U.S.-based human rights group said on Friday.
Human Rights Watch said Iraqi soldiers who have deserted to Kurdish forces in the north told its representatives that the Iraqi military executed 10 deserters on March 26 and has organized execution squads to prevent others from leaving their posts.

The 26 soldiers interviewed in recent days spoke of extremely low pay, meager food rations and mistreatment that included beatings and other punishments that left some scarred.

Posted By Michele Catalano at April 4, 2003 08:52 PM | TrackBack

Comments

the beatings will continue until morale improves...

Posted by: rawsnacks at April 4, 2003 09:23 PM

The beatings will continue until the rank and file finally decide to revolt and attack their superiors. There is only so much abuse a man can take. When that finally happens, the remaining opposition will fall...quickly.

cheshirecat

Posted by: cheshirecat at April 4, 2003 10:51 PM

The british did the same during WWI. They were called the trench police and they shot anyone who did not go over the top.

Brits also gave summary trials, no legal representation, no info to familiers and super fast justice before executing cowards who did not fight.

Another interesting practice in wwi was the use of "crucifiction" of soldiers in the bull pens.

I assume the U.S. had similar practices at that time.

Posted by: raff at April 5, 2003 12:08 AM