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In Iraq, reconciling justice with war

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales arrived in Baghdad Aug. 29 to meet with U.S. and Iraqi officials over how best to apply the rule of law in Iraq amidst ongoing violence.

Gonzales met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih, Chief Justice of the Higher Juridical Council Medhat Al-Mahmoud and a handful of other high-ranking officials to both highlight the importance of rule of law and pledge U.S. support in the Iraqi government's quest for stability.

"Freedom is best sustained by the establishment of a fair and just legal system that prioritizes the rights and liberties of its citizens," said Gonzales. "The Department of Justice is proud to help the Iraqi people establish the rule of law in their country and I applaud those who are so dedicated to assisting in this historic effort."

More than 200 Justice Department personnel are in Iraq to assist the Iraqi security forces in establishing themselves collectively as a viable keeper of the peace.

Alberto R. Gonzales, U.S. Attorney General, presents Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih with a gift. Department of Defense photo by Army Spc. Rick Rzepka, 124th MPAD.A vital component to establishing rule of law in Iraq is the Justice Department's Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development. The office serves an institutional capacity-building function; so far it has helped train over 500 Iraqi lawyers and prosecutors in topics such as human rights and scientific evidence. It has also helped them address the special challenges presented by the prosecution of suspected terrorists.

During a press conference in the facility housing the Iraqi High Tribunal - the same courthouse that hosts the trial of Saddam Hussein on crimes against his own people - the attorney general addressed the issue of detainee abuse and interrogation practices. Gonzales told reporters the subject of interrogation tactics was discussed in his meeting with Salih, but said the techniques are ultimately a decision for the Iraqi government.

"Our President is very clear that the U.S. government does not engage in torture," Gonzales said. "We are part of a convention against torture."

Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq