Five Dollar Media Journal

I think it's interesting to note that President Bush did not actually apologize for the prisoner abuse by American soldiers and contractors. What was given to the press was a statement claiming he apologized to Jordan's King Abdullah II, which does contain the words I'm sorry. But the context of the statement indicates that he did not formally address the Iraqi people, nor any other national body, and that he did not express responsibility for the actions of the soldiers or contractors. He simply turns around and offers praises, ignoring the issue of abuse.

A few news outlets were keen to the façade of apology, but most have mistakenly reduced Bush's words as an actual apology (i.e. "Bush's apology..."). The burden of scrutiny now lies on Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, who may end up taking full responsibility for the Abu Gharib abuses, among others. If this move is successful then Bush, Vice President Cheney, and other government and military officials will be spared from any further accusations. The private contractors (i.e. Halliburton) installed to effectively oversee security may also be distanced from wrongdoing if the charade is successful.