Meaning: The quote you provided comes from Janis Karpinski, a former U.S. Army Reserve brigadier general who was in charge of the military police at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq during the early 2000s. This quote reflects Karpinski's perspective on the challenges and shortcomings in the management of the prison and the training of Iraqi guards during her tenure.

In the quote, Karpinski acknowledges the abandonment of a certain policy and the subsequent assignment of training responsibilities to the military police. This move indicates a shift in approach to the management and training of personnel at Abu Ghraib. Karpinski also emphasizes the lack of resources and personnel for recruiting new Iraqi guards, highlighting a significant constraint that impacted the operations at the prison.

The context in which this quote was made is crucial to understanding its significance. During the early 2000s, the Abu Ghraib prison gained international attention due to the abuse and mistreatment of detainees by U.S. military personnel. Karpinski's leadership and the conduct of the military police under her command came under scrutiny in the aftermath of the scandal.

Karpinski has been vocal about her perspective on the events at Abu Ghraib and has often criticized the handling of the situation by higher-ranking officials. Her quote sheds light on the challenges she faced in managing the prison and the limitations she encountered in fulfilling her responsibilities.

The phrase "That policy was abandoned very quickly" suggests that there was a rapid change in the approach or directive regarding a specific policy related to the management or training of personnel at Abu Ghraib. The reasons for this abandonment could be multifaceted, potentially influenced by evolving circumstances, operational requirements, or directives from higher authorities.

The mention of the military police being "tagged with the responsibility of conducting training" indicates a shift in the division of responsibilities within the prison. This change likely had implications for the roles and duties of the military police, potentially stretching their resources and capacities as they took on additional training responsibilities.

Furthermore, Karpinski's statement about not being equipped or set up with personnel to recruit new Iraqi guards underscores the logistical and operational challenges faced by the leadership at Abu Ghraib. The ability to recruit and train local guards was crucial for the effective functioning of the prison, and the absence of adequate resources for this purpose likely hampered the overall operations.

It's important to note that Karpinski's perspective is just one part of the complex narrative surrounding the events at Abu Ghraib. The quote reflects her experiences and challenges during her tenure, and it's essential to consider other viewpoints and official investigations to gain a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances.

In conclusion, Janis Karpinski's quote provides insight into the challenges she encountered in managing the Abu Ghraib prison and the limitations she faced in terms of policy implementation, resource allocation, and personnel management. It offers a glimpse into the complexities and constraints that shaped the operations at the prison during a tumultuous period in its history.