Algiers Exit Strategy

It is uncanny all the parallels to the 1954-62 French-Algiers situation that the present dilemna in Iraq presents,
n'est ce-pas ?
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# 7 Algiers 1952 / Iraq 2007 Parallel

"For some time there has been a great deal of talk about tortures applied by French soldiers to Algerian patriots. Abundant, detailed, frightful texts have been published.
. . .
After having denied the existence of tortures in Algeria, the French have used a double argument.
. . .
The French police agent superintendent in Algiers - Lofredo - has defined for the benefit of his friends and new colleagues " (like Rush Limbaugh )the interrogation techniques that the Florida buffoon needs to promote global discontent against the United States with his Guantanomo Bay "Get your Gitmo gear " profit scheme.

"The patriot is arrested and taken to the local judicial police headquarters.
He is asked no question for, at this point in the investigation, 'we do not know what direction the questioning is to take and the suspect must not suspect that we do not know (the direction of questioning). The best way is to break down his resistance by using the so-called 'conditioning by example' method.

A few jeeps leave headquarters and bring back some ten Algerians picked up at random in the street or, more frequently, in a nearby douar. One after another - in the presence of the one suspect who is the only one of interest to the police - these men are going to be tortured to death. It is felt that after five or six such murders the real questioning can begin.

-OR-

The second method consists in first torturing the man concerned. Several sessions are needed to break down his energy. No question is asked of the suspect. Inspector Podevin - who has used this method extensively in Algiers - admits that it is difficult NOT to say anything when the tortured asks for explanations. It is therefore necessary to break down his resistance fast.
At the sixth or seventh session, the prisoner is simply told ; "we're listening to you"


Source : The political essays, . . . Fanon ed. Chevalier at pg 66 - 69


Longer you wait the more ya'all lose.

If you don't study history - then history repeats itself..