Measuring the progress of a civilisation is a subjective exercise, for there are as many yardsticks and expectations as there are people who seek to measure.  But one civilised achievement that cannot be ignored is the treatment by a society of the disadvantaged.

The United States of America has long assumed the role of world policeman, perhaps in the process giving the rest of the world an unrealistic expectation of the USA’s moral values.  From the number of families in the poverty trap, or the large criminal class, it is clear that America has serious problems.  And when one looks at the minors and feeble-minded who are placed on Death Row it has to be concluded that the USA is not consistent in her respect for the quality and dignity of human life.

Domestic affairs do not arouse much international interest, but with the creation of Camp X-Ray the eyes of the world are on America.  Sadly, she has been found wanting.

It is likely that in the heat of battle many atrocities are perpetrated.  Perhaps this, also, is a measure of civilisation, but away from the front line there is no excuse for ignoring the Geneva Convention.  Whether the fighters captured in Afghanistan are members of the Taliban or alQaeda the fact is they were captured in battle in their own country.  It was President Bush who described the Afghan campaign as war, and to argue now that these men are not prisoners of war is to play with semantics.  And the argument that relies on the fact that the fighters were not in uniform is a specious product of affluent western thinking.

There is no doubt that the treatment of prisoners by the Taliban was appalling, but this should not be the basis for the treatment of prisoners taken to Cuba.  Nor should revenge or punishment play a part.  After September 11 there was bewilderment that America should not be liked or respected.  Here was an opportunity for a public demonstration that might engender international and self respect.  Instead, the bullying tactics of the world’s most powerful nation will reinforce the will of those who are bent on cutting America down to size.

Truth might be the first victim of war, but many more victims will be claimed long after the last shots have been fired.  These victims can lead to yet more war, and war is the destroyer of civilisations.