Two and a half years ago, the U.S. went to Afghanistan in search of the mastermind behind September 11th attacks. American forces were told in no uncertain terms to interrogate anyone who might lead them to Osama Bin Laden.
But in the process, Human Rights Watch says the U.S.-led forces have been breaking humanitarian law. That’s the conclusion of a new report accusing American soldiers of mistreating detainees: depriving them of sleep, shackling them naked, and sometimes beating them.
Human Rights Watch also says innocent civilians are getting caught — and killed — in the crossfire of arrests. All serious charges, all met by the military response that, well, there’s a war on. Rules of engagement and human rights in the heat of war.
Guests:
John Sifton, researcher with Human Rights Watch
Scott Silliman, professor at the Duke University Law School
Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Hilferty, serving with the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan.