Should the Abuse Photos of Prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan Be Released to the Public or Not?

Despite the court order of the release of the abuse photos of the prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan, United States President, Barack Obama, tries to block the publicity of the mentioned photos.

The photos depict prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan being abused by military troops. This obviously shows mistreatment and violation of human rights. Prisoners do have their rights even though they are imprisoned. Mistreatment of prisoners should not be tolerated; thus, this case should undergo further investigations. However, with the president hindering the release of such photos, how would it be possible to pass judgment on this issue?

President Obama said he did not feel comfortable in releasing such pictures and tries to block its release to the public. This decision was influenced by the opinions made by military commanders about the release of these photos. According to the military commanders, releasing such photos will put the American troops in more danger. Release of the abuse photos can also cause more chaos between United States and Muslim countries as this can trigger another war. The military commanders also commented that if these photos will be released, it will be more difficult for them to do their job especially in Iraq and Afghanistan as this could trigger more problems.

True enough that abuse and mistreatment should be condemn. President Obama also believes in that; however, with two choices at hand, he weighed the possible effects of each choice. A commotion is expected to such decision, but it could possibly be the right choice. The president believed that releasing the abuse photos would not be much of help to solve the problem but rather could ignite another war. If these photos would be released in public, the American soldiers will surely be jeopardized and another chaos could possibly happen.

The President blocks the release of the photos but he ensured that mistreatment and abuse of prisoners is against the law and shall not be tolerated.

This decision indeed caused a lot of commotion and people have begun to question President Obama's promise of accountability and transparency. Blocking the release of such abuse photos inhibits public examination of the situation thus hindering public opinion regarding the true issue; however, the president's goal is not to put America into more trouble but rather improve its image to the world. President Obama firmly believes that publicizing these photos will just cause more trouble as those who are against U.S. will use these photos to start war.