U.S. Officer Accused of Aiding Enemy

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — A prosecutor said Monday a former American military police commander aided the enemy by letting top detainees make unmonitored cell phone calls at sites including the camp that held Saddam Hussein. But his attorney described the officer as only trying "to win the hearts and minds of Iraqis."

The sides faced off at the opening of the court-martial of the Army reservist, Lieutenant Colonel William Steele, who oversaw lockups that included the area where Saddam spent his final days.

The proceedings are being closely watched as the first known prosecution for aiding the enemy in Iraq since the American-led invasion in 2003. It has also gained attention for pretrial testimony that included allegations Colonel Steele approved the purchase of Cuban cigars for the toppled Iraqi dictator.

Colonel Steele, 52, of Prince George, Va., is accused of four charges that include allowing the prisoners to use a cell phone and giving special privileges to an Iraqi woman working as an interpreter.