Meaning: The quote you provided is from Janis Karpinski, a former brigadier general in the United States Army who is known for her role in the Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse scandal during the Iraq War. The quote reflects her frustration and sense of powerlessness in trying to understand and address the actions of the soldiers under her command at the Abu Ghraib prison.

In this quote, Karpinski describes a situation where she attempted to gain access to the soldiers involved in the events at Abu Ghraib in order to understand what was happening, only to be denied access and told that the soldiers did not work for her. This quote highlights the lack of accountability and oversight that Karpinski experienced in her role, as well as the breakdown in the chain of command and communication within the military hierarchy.

The Abu Ghraib scandal, which came to light in 2004, revealed the systematic abuse and torture of detainees by U.S. military personnel at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. The scandal sparked international outrage and raised questions about the conduct of U.S. forces in Iraq, as well as the leadership and oversight of military operations in the region.

Karpinski's quote sheds light on the challenges she faced in trying to address the misconduct of the soldiers under her command. As a senior officer, she would have been responsible for the actions of her subordinates, yet she was denied access to them and told that she had no right to intervene. This reflects a breakdown in the chain of command and a failure of leadership at multiple levels within the military hierarchy.

The quote also speaks to the broader issue of accountability and responsibility within the military. Karpinski's frustration at being unable to access the soldiers and address the situation suggests a lack of transparency and oversight within the military, as well as a failure to hold individuals accountable for their actions.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the challenges faced by women in leadership positions within the male-dominated military establishment. Karpinski's experience at Abu Ghraib and her subsequent treatment by military authorities have been widely seen as emblematic of the barriers and biases that women in the military often encounter.

In conclusion, Janis Karpinski's quote captures her frustration and sense of powerlessness in trying to address the misconduct of soldiers under her command at Abu Ghraib. It reflects broader issues of accountability, oversight, and leadership within the military, as well as the challenges faced by women in senior positions. The quote serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in military operations, and the need to address systemic issues that can lead to abuse and misconduct.