The US State Department’s 2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices is out.

In it there are both brickbats and bouquets for those at the sharp end of The War Against Terror. A feedback sandwich you might say.

“Despite President Musharraf’s stated commitment to democratic transition, Pakistan’s human rights situation deteriorated during much of 2007,” said the annual report released on Tuesday.

‘Six of of ten, see me’, in other words.

The US itself doesn’t feature in the State Department’s list. I think it’s like the Eurovision Song Contest where you’re not allowed to give points to your own side.

So, it’s down to others to judge the US government on its human rights record. How’s it getting on? Well, it’s a little hard to say.

The U.N. investigator on torture said on Tuesday the United States had denied his request to visit U.S.-run jails in Iraq and insisted a visit could help clear its legacy of the prison abuse scandal in Abu Ghraib.

It’s a canny tactic and one that Andy Abraham should adopt in Belgrade later this year. He could refuse to perform his soulless, insulting piece of dreck. That way nobody can judge if it’s any good and he can declare himself winner at the end.