By denying Mendez access to Bradley Manning, the United States not only looks like it has something to hide about the treatment of this one individual, but it is undermining the entire system of international human rights monitoring.
First they came for the human rights activists. Now, Bahraini authorities are looking to censor the media. In the meantime, the rights community is showing exasperation with perceived American passivity.
UN and French helicopters pounded the residence overnight with missiles and heavy caliber weapons. French troops mounted an assault and have apparently turned Gbagbo over to forces loyal to legitimate President Alassane Outtara.