Dave,
I don't peruse the anthropology blogs much but the following quote in the link you provided was a bit startling - "For example, Hugh Jarvis from the University at Buffalo argues that, 'Surely to achieve any credibility or scientific objectivity, anthropologists need to be independent observers.'"

I had thought that over the past decades the idea of something as subjective as anthropology had abandoned such concepts as scientific objectivity and being independent observers. Understanding the source of subjectivity and dependence would seem to be time better spent. Oh well.

Objectivity was the defense used by those who thought that taking a position on the Vietnam War was not the place for academics. This, of course, was equivalent to taking a position on the Vietnam War, that of being a supporter.

Does this not relate to Mary Boone's comments on resistance?
Wayne

Its an ongoing debate Wayne, and a question of degree. That said its a complex issue. When I blogged it I did not take sides as I don't think its a matter of right or wrong, but something more fussy.

Understanding different cultures is critical for any government or armed force and one would hope that using people who understand those cultures would prevent mistakes. However supporting torture .....