Blame it on the occupiers

There can surely be no greater illustration of the depravity to which parts of Iraq have descended, than the horrifying pictures of orphan boys confined to their bedrooms in Baghdad.

That the orphanage is for children of special needs; that the children were starving and too weak to stand; that many of the children were tied to their cots reflects badly upon the type of care being administered at the orphanage.

Compounded to this shocking tale is the fact that plenty of food and clothing was found on the premises, indeed, some staff were busy preparing a meal for themselves when discovered by the US army.

Allegedly the children were found in the streets and, being in need of special attention and care and abandoned by the families, were taken to the orphanage where it was expected their needs would be provided for.

Apparently the issue only came to light when some neighbours notified the US army. The sight of such children being treated in this way is not a new phenomenon; many people will remember the disclosures of the institutions that housed children and adults in similar fashion in Romania. This only came to light when Romania collapsed and the West was able to enter the country.

What there is in Iraq, though, is slightly different, in that for over four years now, the US, as an occupying force, is obliged under the Geneva Conventions to ensure adequate facilities, succour and care to all the citizens of the country it is occupying.

While there has been an Iraqi government for a short while, it is generally recognised as being mere puppets of the US. And the US is to blame for not ensuring that those under its occupation are being treated in a proper manner - and that includes orphans with special needs.