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General claims 'conspiracy' against her on Abu Ghraib abuse

By JIM KRANE
Published/Last Modified on Saturday, Sep 04, 2004 - 10:09:23 pm MST

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Associated Press

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The Army general who once ran detention operations in Iraq said a "conspiracy" among top U.S. commanders has left her to blame for the abuses of Iraqi inmates at Abu Ghraib prison.

Brig. Gen. Janis Karpinski, who commanded the Army's 800th Military Police Brigade, said she fears more senior Army generals may escape punishment, even though they issued or approved guidelines on the interrogation of Iraqi prisoners.

One of the generals Karpinski mentions, Maj. Gen. Barbara Fast, is in line to become the commander of Fort Huachuca and the Intelligence Center.

Karpinski said in an e-mail interview with The Associated Press that she was unfairly cited by a report issued last month by an independent panel of nongovernment experts headed by former defense secretary James Schlesinger.

The Schlesinger report blamed Karpinski for leadership failures that "helped set the conditions at the prison which led to the abuses." She failed to ensure that Iraqi prisoners were protected by the Geneva Conventions and failed to deal with ineffective commanders below her. It recommended that she be relieved of command and given a letter of reprimand, which would essentially end her career.

The panel also said disciplinary action "may be forthcoming" against Col. Thomas M. Pappas, commander of the Army's 205th Military Intelligence Brigade, which was assigned to Abu Ghraib last year.

That recommendation may allow top generals in Iraq to sidestep punishment, Karpinski said.

Those she said might avoid sharing responsibility are Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, the former land forces commander in Iraq; his deputy, Maj. Gen. Walter Wojdakowski; Fast, the former head of military intelligence in Iraq; and Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Miller, deputy commander for detention operations in Iraq.

"It was a conspiracy all along," Karpinski said. "Sanchez and Miller and likely Fast had fallback plans and people to blame if anything came unglued."

Fast, Wojdakowski and Sanchez, as well as Karpinski, are criticized in the Schlesinger report and a subsequent Army investigation led by Maj. Gen. George Fay.

According to the reports, Fast failed to properly execute her duties. She returned to the fort in late July but has yet to assume command of the fort and Intelligence Center.

Karpinski has denied knowing about any mistreatment of prisoners until photographs were made public in April showing hooded and naked prisoners being tormented by their U.S. captors.

The Senate Armed Services Committee has scheduled a hearing for Thursday to consider the Fay and Schlesinger reports and likely raising questions about which, if any, senior military officials should share blame for what happened at Abu Ghraib.

Fast and Miller declined to comment on the report or Karpinski's allegations. Sanchez, Wojdakowski and Pappas could not be reached.

Karpinski said she was snared in a Catch-22 situation. Allowing the tougher methods of prisoner interrogation to go ahead as recommended by Miller and approved by Sanchez landed her in trouble. But, she said, if she had disregarded those guidelines, she would also be in trouble.

"Can't win," she said.

Karpinski complained that Schlesinger's investigation gave her an only perfunctory opportunity - an interview of less than an hour - to rebut the allegations and defend her leadership.

Karpinski also scoffed at the Schlesinger report's finding that Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld and other top Pentagon officials can be faulted for failed leadership and oversight, even though the report's conclusion finds Rumsfeld bears no direct responsibility for the abuses. She said the report's focus on Rumsfeld was "clearly done as a show of unbiased investigation techniques" to bolster its credibility.

In fact, Karpinski may not be the only Army general whose career suffers because of the Abu Ghraib abuses.

Observers have said they believe the probe could eventually reach the others. Investigators concluded that the other generals are partly responsible, but not legally culpable, for the abuse last fall.

Sanchez and Wojdakowski are cited in an Army investigation for failure to "ensure proper staff oversight of detention and interrogation operations" in Iraq.

Sanchez, who returned in June to his command of Army 5th Corps headquarters in Germany, has already been passed over for promotion to a four-star slot as chief of Southern Command because of Rumsfeld's expectation that Sanchez would face trouble in a Senate confirmation hearing.

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Ezai I. Martinez wrote on Jun 24, 2009 7:58 PM:

" My name is Ezai I. Martinez Yes i wrote : qote "I think immigration is not a crime because our ancestors were immigrants too.' i wrote this to state that immigration is not a crime but as an oppertunity to better ourselfs that is what our for-fathers stated in our Declaration of Independence so do not juge unless you yourself can be juged also. "

Juror 6 wrote on May 16, 2009 2:20 PM:

" I was one of the female jurors in the Antoinette Newcomb case back in April '07. Occasionally I google hers and Jensen's names; was an unforgettable case. "

ozeroff wrote on May 4, 2009 12:55 AM:

" Personally I do not think they are that bad. Find the files you are looking for at torrent-hunter.com the most comprehensive source for free-to-try files downloads on the Web "

helen andersen wrote on Oct 16, 2008 2:19 PM:

" Well, let me start by saying how thankful I am that Sierra Vista was lucky enough to have the best of the CDC...also, without even knowing it their efforts made a safe and healthy enviorment for my son and many other soldiers...also...Dr. Gaffga, not only knows his stuff...but is an exceptional doctor and human being...may I be allowed off-topic to also say...he is actually responsible for saving my life...when no one else cared.....he was also such a good primary care to me...I was well for almost 4 years....there is not enough good words to explain "

Lee Jackson wrote on Sep 8, 2008 6:48 PM:

" I was looking for the picture that accompanied this story on the front page, dont suppose any one could find it. "

Claude R. Fowler wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:35 AM:

" I remember Jimmy Judd from an incident that occurred in 1973. While living at J-6 ranches my son wandered off. There were very few families out there then. Jimmy, the army, neighbors and other deputies hunted through foul weather until they located my son safe and sound. I will always think kindly of them all. "

Schana wrote on Jul 27, 2008 12:14 AM:

" Sammy you are greatly missed We love you "

Philip Word wrote on Mar 16, 2008 1:41 PM:

" The unidentified child in the picture with Santa's name is Ponchito, and the girl in the front's name is Gracia, and the girl in the back's, in te black shirt, name is Paloma. The reason I know this is becaue I was down at this oprhanage the summer of 2007. "

Favian Mitchell wrote on Mar 3, 2008 1:13 PM:

" Hello, my name is Favian Mitchell, I am the son of Santiago and Misako Mitchell. It has been almost 3 years since that incident, but i still remember it clearly. I just wanted to read this post again, because I lost the original. I do appreciate the obituary about my mother a long time ago, it was "good". Thank you for your time, and I would also like to thank Gentry Braswell for the "good" report. If it isn't to much trouble; if Child Protective Services(CPS) ever comes to your attention in your newspaper, make them look evil/bad. "

Sierra VIsta Resident wrote on Feb 18, 2008 6:01 AM:

" Seal the border. Keep the rif-raf south.
It's too bad future historians will read such drivel and may believe the "poor just wanting a better life". THey'd be welcome if that was the truth, but, alsa the amount of drugs, crime and disease disprove it. "

Casey wrote on Feb 14, 2008 11:08 PM:

" Why do they act we are oblivious to the fact that there are at least a dozen or more of those uav'S IN THE SKY EVERY NIGHT.Spying on U.S. Citizens. WAKE UP PEOPLE. "

Child and grandchild of victims wrote on Feb 12, 2008 6:10 PM:

" Some man indeed! 25 years ago my father and grandfather were shot in the back several times with a shotgun by police under his authority. To this day the only articles I have ever read speak of lies and escuses, but no one has ever paid for the senseless killings. Well at last they meet again!! The wicked do not prosper long! "

lori kempf-gardilcic wrote on Feb 11, 2008 1:02 PM:

" i am actually lookin for Chris S, a friend of mine.
please if u see him ask him to email me
gardilcic1@yahoo.com
thanks
lori "

Dennis Haverty wrote on Feb 4, 2008 8:29 AM:

" Just found your artical online. "Pete" Haverty (the one legged cowboy) was my uncle. My father Clay M. Haverty was one of his brothers overseas during WW II. My father Clay, was Florida's champion ropper several years. Virgil then must be my cousin. Would love for someone to contact me to verify. My email is: dhaverty@msn.com "

Hopeful wrote on Nov 22, 2007 12:10 PM:

" The BP agent and the BP/DHS will provide all who are watching an example of how to behave given the laws of this country. "

wk siglar wrote on Nov 17, 2007 5:09 PM:

" it is apparent president bush, the republican party well as tge deomcratic paarty will enforce our constitution. president truman ans president eisenhower sent all illegal aliens and aliens who held dual-citizenship to country of orgin during a crisis. we need a third party or independent men of integrity to run for office. "

Helen Andersen wrote on Nov 8, 2007 7:26 PM:

" I cried when I saw Dr.G. I am a former patient of his who is alive because he really is a good person and a hero to me....and his caring went beyond a scrip pad...if he was like most doctors...I would have died in a terrible situation, he is a hero... "

gstarch3@sbcglobal.net wrote on Nov 4, 2007 7:14 PM:

" You are going to demonstrate a lot more clout if you keep your articles such as this current. Frankly, I don't care about something that went on in April 2006. Let's hear about current situations relating to border security. GW Starch III "

Father Patrick Bascio wrote on Oct 20, 2007 7:46 PM:

" My name is Father Patrick, and after writing several books on other subjects, I decided to write a book on illegal immigration that would offer an alternative view than the official one of the Christian Church in America, i.e., that sanctuary and amnesty is the proper way to go. I realized that there are many evils connected with illegal immigration, from breaking US law, to an entire industry producing false identities, to the proliferation of illegal gangs in our major cities. My email address is pajbascio@yahoo.com...my book THE IMMORALITY OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. If you agree send me mail. Fr. Pat "

Angela Q. wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:37 PM:

" Angelica....I know how you must feel, I used to be an Army wife. My best to you and all the military families....your former mother in law Angela Q. "

Sandy wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:47 PM:

" I think it's unfair that many soldiers lihe my husband(who has been in Irak twice)have to go back there in december again.Does the army thinks about the soldier's wifes,kids, and his own safety?I can't believe there are not enough soldiers to go probably for the first or second time and let the ones that have already been there so long spend time with their families and still recover from the hard time lived in irak.I just have to say it's unfair and the capitans, coronels or whoever read that will probably accept that it's the truth.My husband is leaving again "

Concerned wrote on Sep 19, 2007 12:27 PM:

" The goverment doesnt even recycle on Fort Huachuca, And i have not seen Any of these so called recycling area anywhere in sierra vista...so if they are here they are hidden well. Oh and there are massive amount of Paper being thrown away on base. "

Whetstone wrote on Aug 11, 2007 1:44 PM:

" Why are these comments listed with an article on the Mcclain water companies? Any guesses? "

Sharra wrote on Jul 26, 2007 6:57 AM:

" Isn't trespass a crime? do these people not get that going on the property of another without invitation or permission is trespass? Intereting how they have no problem writing up statements for children to read and then have to lead the children through it, all the while holding the pretense that the statements are the children's own. If the Ronald person is a citizen and Navy vet he should know better than to behave this way.... If he wants to hunt on private property he should ask permission. Or better, buy a ranch and hunt there. "

Megan Matzen wrote on Jul 22, 2007 1:29 PM:

" Just curious if Gentry might have Virgil Haverty's phone number or address from the 11/5/06 article on Brown Canyon Ranch House. My Great Grandmother was Virgil's dad's sister. Just trying to fill in some family tree gaps. Thanks! Megan Matzen (605) 431-7491 mmfarmgirl@peoplepc.com "

Rose wrote on Jul 16, 2007 2:26 PM:

" I miss his smile and loud laugh... he could always make me smile. "

pdawg wrote on May 14, 2007 8:09 AM:

" It is very obvious that this man shot an unarmed person and killed him. He should be held accountable for the loss of human life. Prosecute him to the maximum extent of the law. "

bpdog wrote on May 9, 2007 11:37 PM:

" He had no right to kill or shoot anyone, unless is self defence and found himself being attacked ,not "well it seemed like he was going to trow a rock at me" well what happened to academy training, tazer gun , pepper spray? "

A soldier in Iraq wrote on May 8, 2007 7:29 AM:

" I am completely disgusted with the way we treat our BP Agents. Guilty until proven innocent in the Tucson sector. The truth is no one really knows what happened out there except for the ones that were there. This town has already crucified a man without knowing the story. I wish these people could put themselves in an agents place before pacing judgment. Never knowing who will attack you or when. Always fearing for your life. Not to mention the spouses fear of never seeing a loved one again. I hale from Bisbee, AZ and am currently in Iraq serving our country. When I showed this article to soldiers from other parts of the country they were as disgusted as I. Let the man have a fair trial. This won’t happen in Bisbee. "

Wesley Frankln wrote on May 6, 2007 8:48 PM:

" Food For Thought: Liars: Politically Correct is somewhat ingenuous in handling the truth wehirealiens.com Boycott all "Made in Mexico" aka Heco En Mexico Join one of Americas older groups ie: Minutemen YDSFM "

Wesley Frankln wrote on May 6, 2007 8:42 PM:

" Food For Thought: If you feed a Lion fresh red meat it will be your friend and will not eat you. Do I have your attention? "A LINE IN THE SAND" IRAQS Learn Spanish Senator Mc Cauls Website http://www.house.gov/mccaul/ wehirealiens.com "

bob t wrote on May 3, 2007 7:17 AM:

" Someone needs to slap this 13 year old's teacher for lying to her students about immigration. He says he thinks immigration is not a crime because our ancestors were immigrants. Good boy, now ask her what crime has to do with the word ILLEGAL. Taking money out of the bank is not a crime either, unless you do it in a way that is against the law. Anybody want to guess what nationality the teacher is? "

Sissy wrote on May 2, 2007 8:48 PM:

" They don't report crimes because they are afraid of the police? What a knee-slapper! They don't call the police for anything because they have already broken the law and THEY KNOW IT. They knew it when they climbed the fence and they know it now. The only meaningful reform is to revoke the U.S. citizenship law for babies born to illegals, round them up and ship them out. It can be done and should! "

Phil wrote on May 2, 2007 3:03 PM:

" I had to laugh at the quote The real Criminals are going to get away" What, breaking into a country, forging documents and taking advantage of citizens tax dollars are not crimes? Give me a break. It's ridiculas comments like this that have people like me changing sides of the debate. "

Rosalind Cummings wrote on May 2, 2007 3:05 AM:

" What about the undocumented immigrants and illegal aliens in Philadelphia. When I went to the Hold Their Feet to the Fire rally in Washington on Sunday April 22, 2007 myself and another person from Pennsylvania requested that sanctuaries in Philadelphia and Reading Pennsylvania should be invesigated. How Soon! When! When! "

Deport them all wrote on May 1, 2007 8:06 PM:

" A Polish national was detained for 7 months? GOOD. He should have been deported 13 years ago! What kind of idiots are running Cook County? Illegal Alien = Committing a Crime = Must be deported immediately! "

Ezai I. Martinez 8th grade age 13 wrote on May 1, 2007 4:31 PM:

" I think immigration is not a crime because our ancestors were immigrants too. "

jean wrote on May 1, 2007 3:58 PM:

" We MUST stick with the law of our country, those here illegally, know they have broken our laws and then demand rights,they believe they have a right to be here and they don't Do any of these illegals think an American would get away with this in their country?What would the difference be if decided I wanted my neighbor's house and car just because I thought I was intitled to a better life for my family and my neighbor's would give this to me. "

Paul wrote on May 1, 2007 2:30 PM:

" "An increasing number of callers to his radio show are wondering what their rights are during encounters with police. " I'm a US citizen so I have the rights granted to me by the Constitution. If you are an ILLEGAL immigrant, then you have no rights. GO HOME! "

roger wrote on May 1, 2007 2:19 PM:

" When the illegal sympathizers cry that nobody will come forward to report crimes if we keep up deportations,they dont seem to realize that most of the crimes are being commited by the illegals themselves!!! "