From the daily conflict in Iraq to extreme incidents such as the torture of prisoners at Abu Ghraib, the dehumanization of the “enemy” and the influence of the environment in which it is encountered can explain how and why soldiers from both sides attack. Social learning theory underlies the process of dehumanization, because as “Faces of the Enemy” shows, such behavior is constantly supported and rewarded by the media and by the armed forces (Jersey and Friedman, 1987). . Equally important is the role of Berkowitz's cognitive analysis of neoassociation, which recognizes the environmental and situational influences that can lead to feelings of aggression. At the intersection of these two theories emerges a more complete analysis than would be possible from one alone. In this case, social learning theory often plays its role by teaching through observation. When Iraqi insurgents or al-Qaeda in Iraq see others dehumanizing American soldiers and deserve praise for it, they become accustomed to such thoughts and, as noted, find it easier to attack. These insurgents learn from the example of others that dehumanization is acceptable. The less human another seems, the easier it is to harm him; often soldiers' orders require them to do just that. In some ways, this process mimics Bandura's (1977) BoBo doll experiment in which children performed similar aggressive acts after seeing adults perform them (Kassin, Fein & Markus, 2008 p. 403). In June of this year, fifteen American soldiers were killed, mainly by attacks by Shiite militias (Associated Press [AP], 2011). Moktada al-Sadr, an influential Shiite cleric known for his anti-Americanism, said US troops should be treated as "tyrannical occupiers" (AP, ...... middle of paper ...... ar attacks, leading to additional stress (2007, p. 351). The Pappas, apparently affected by the attacks, often forced the soldiers to sleep inside the prison cells for protection (Zimbardo, 2007, p. 335). Due to the pressure and lack of training, such incentives likely contributed to the soldiers' readiness to attack the detainees. In reality, it is a combination of theories rather than a single theory that explains such aggression. in situations like Iraq while learning to dehumanize preparations If soldiers on both sides are accused of aggression, cognitive neoassociation demonstrates how negative environmental factors contribute to violence. Although aggression highlights the importance of the situation, social psychology does not excuse or condone the extreme actions taken by either party: it can only do so. explain.