I always go back to the second Iraq War. That had it all. Based on lies, no-bid contracts, Abu Graib, depleted uranium, burn pits, etc. Even Afghanistan persisted through three administrations of both parties. Was that just an oversight?

People are taught to respect those higher than them in the institution, whether it be government, church, even family. The power imbalance probably deters some from speaking out when power is abused. Or the process of accountability either isn't there, or it's too arduous.