The appalling condition and plight of orphaned boys discovered by U.S. troops in Iraq must strike an international cry for justice.

These young boys, ages 3 through 15, were found in deplorable conditions. Some were naked and smeared with human waste; others were leashed up like dogs; and more still were left lying naked on concrete floors, their bodies little more than skin and bones. A room in the orphanage held shelves of food and clean clothing left untouched — the goods were to be sold by adults working at the orphanage, military reports alleged.

Almost as galling was the ridiculous response of Iraqi government minister Mahmoud Mohammed Jawad Radi. Radi made feeble and unconscionable attempts to make the plight of these children a political ploy, suggesting the discovery of these boys was nothing more than U.S. propaganda attempts to show the kindness of U.S. troops. That's truly a warped perspective; the pictures of these children speak volumes.

"Of course the shelter is not as expected, as it is newly opened and still lacks a lot of services," he said of the lack of fans or air conditioning. Talk about a horrific understatement.

While Congress continues to debate the fiscal price of the Iraq war, this incident starkly underscores the staggering social costs as well. The loss of lives and destruction will leave an indelible mark for far too many American families splintered by this war. And in Iraq, U.N. casualty figures estimated that 100 Iraqis die daily, many of whom are sole providers for their families.

These orphans — many of whom have witnessed the killing of their parents— have already paid an untenable price. They must not be allowed to suffer like this any longer.