Abu Ghraib
While the prison guards displayed such power over the Iraqi prisoners, the US political elite stood higher above all. When photographs of Abu Ghraib were viewed publically, someone had to be blamed. Many guards were convicted and sentenced to prison time along with a dishonorable discharge, as several deserved. However, the C.I.A. agent who actually murdered a prisoner was never charged for his crime. The worst crime was let go due to the social hierarchy of the situation. The US political elite, who was aware and encouraged the abuse to continue, were as responsible for the crimes as the guards, but with their power, they could escape it. Those who faced court that were in the elite, were cleared of all crimes, leaving the US soldiers to take the blame.