oobunnie
May 13 2004, 10:03 PM
I remember watching a thing on CNN some time ago about making an international court for crimes against humanity. Now when I was talking to my friend she braught up what would happan to Saddam. And my response was that it would be best handled by the ICC. But as it turns out thats not even an option. I looked up the ICC and couldn't believe the the USA isnt a member. And that in order for the court to try a case, one of the parties has to be a member.
ICC webpage.
Now I thought this ICC was a grand idea. It would hold countries and people accountable for what they did, and yet countries have the choice as to wether they should join or not. I think they should try war crimes anyways. Like persay if the US gives these folks easy sentences for what they did. But since Britan is a member, if they arent prosicuted in what is considered a fair way, the soldiers can also be tried in the ICC.
I just dont get it.
gothictheysay
May 14 2004, 01:30 AM
I don't think that would work, with all the varying opinions and certain laws in that country and not in that one etc.
Coconut Monkey
May 14 2004, 03:17 AM
The reason the ICC doesn't work is because the United States refuses to join.
Basically, signing on means the ICC would be able to charge American citizens for war crimes too. It's a two way street. But the US govt doesn't want to give up any of its sovereignty--that is--they want to be able to do whatever the heck they want without any worry of the consequences. And i guess when you're the reigning superpower, taking a position like that makes sense.
So it's a big "screw you" to the rest of the world. And now with Bush in office, that's all the US has been doing on the world stage. Giving the finger to other 95% of the planet. Whether the issue is Iraq, or climate change, the ICC, or, as Bush calls them, "terriers and bariffs".
But besides all that, the US sure shouldn't sign up for the ICC until its taught it's own soldiers and the pentagon to follow the geneva convention. Just seems like utter laziness to me, by the commanders that didn't halt the abuse. Either that, or they have contempt for the humanity of any foreign citizen.
-cm