Center for American Progress

Trump’s Family Separation Policy Is as Damaging to America as Abu Ghraib
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Trump’s Family Separation Policy Is as Damaging to America as Abu Ghraib

Author Michael Fuchs discusses how the torture of detainees at the Iraqi prison shattered America’s image as a defender of human rights—and how separating families at the border only further undermines that and risks national security.

The words “Abu Ghraib” have become synonymous with torture, a black eye for America that has damaged US national security.

Donald Trump’s policy of ripping children away from their parents at the border is a new black mark on America that could also undermine US national security.

America’s power comes from its values: freedom, the rule of law, respect for human rights. Whatever problems America may face at home, America’s democratic system enables itself to correct wrongs in the pursuit of a fair, just society. Whatever mistakes the United States makes in its foreign policy, America still endeavors to infuse its foreign policy with these values. When America does not live up to these values, it is less safe.

The above excerpt was originally published in The Guardian. Click here to view the full article.

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Authors

Michael Fuchs

Senior Fellow

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