The United States has come under international fire in the last week after the revelation that some American troops have abused Iraqi prisoners in the Abu Ghraib prison outside of Baghdad.

First appearing on CBS last week, images of the mistreatment show American soldiers tying electrical wire to Iraqis’ bodies, stripping prisoners naked, writing slurs on their bodies and forcing prisoners into a human pyramid, among other abuses.

The White House has strongly condemned the behavior of the U.S. troops involved in the incidents.

“The images are appalling, and such action is inexcusable,” White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said in a briefing. “And the shameful actions of a few do not represent the 99 percent of our men and women in uniform who are performing superbly and representing the United States with honor and distinction.”

Allegations of the abuse first surfaced in January, and a subsequent investigation by Army Maj. Gen. Antonio M. Taguba resulted in criminal charges against six soldiers in March. Now, six supervisors at Abu Ghraib have been given letters of severe reprimand and a seventh a letter of admonishment, according to the New York Times.

With the June 30 handover of sovereignty to an interim Iraqi government rapidly approaching, news of the abuse hurts what little credibility the United States had in the Middle East, says University of Wisconsin international studies professor Michael Barnett.

“The Arab World never held us in much regard,” Barnett said. “There were always suspicions that we were taking over their country and fear of our motives, so events like this simply confirm everyone’s prior fears.”

The fact that abuses occurred at Abu Ghraib prison, which was one of Saddam Hussein’s deadliest confinements, may also lead Iraqis to further question the motives of the United States.

UW political science professor Ken Mayer says parallels cannot necessarily be drawn between the actions of the U.S. troops and the torture installed by Hussein, but says the abuse does hurt the United States’ image.

“This is going to outrage people [in the Arab World],” Mayer said. “The charges make it more difficult to make the case that we [invaded Iraq] for the purpose of bringing democracy to their country.”

Taguba’s investigation, as reported in the New York Times, found widespread problems with the leadership and training of prison personnel in Iraq and recommended that specialists be sent to Iraq immediately to better train military police.

McClellan said Friday “strong steps” are being taken to rectify the situation.

Legislators met in Washington Tuesday for a closed-door meeting of the Senate Armed Services Committee to discuss the abuse. Edward Kennedy told the Associated Press he feared the recent allegations are only the first in a series of abuses throughout Iraq.

Although more punishments will likely come as further investigations are completed, Mayer said the penalties so far have been insufficient.

“I think what went on is outrageous, and I hope the [soldiers] are held accountable,” Mayer said. “Demotions and letters of reprimands won’t cut it.