I've been in Camp Cropper less than a week... we see and treat about 30 to 40 Iraqi detainees daily. Some of those in custody are from other Middle Eastern countries even a few from the US. The main facility houses 3,500 inmates. Another compound on post is for HVD or High Value Detainees. One of them is Tariq Aziz, the former foreign minister of Iraq.Ours is the last TIF (Theater Internment Facility) after the closing of Abu Graib, Camp Bucca, and soon-to-go facility at Camp Taji. Shortly our position will be turned over to the Iraqi National Forces.
Most detainees we see wear yellow prison clothes. Men of higher status, sheikhs, are allowed to dress in white. Those in blue have been convicted of life or death sentences. HVD patients come separately and are blindfolded. So far, all who have come to see us are well-mannered and fairly cooperative. Some speak English well.
A few of docs, staff and Coalition guards are a bit hardened when treating patients. It's all business to them and for good reason. I do worry about my own inevitable transition and the fine line separating compassion and enemy status.
A few of docs, staff and Coalition guards are a bit hardened when treating patients. It's all business to them and for good reason. I do worry about my own inevitable transition and the fine line separating compassion and enemy status.
