Iraq will ask the United Nations to end immunity from local law for U.S. troops, the human rights minister said on Monday, as the military named five soldiers charged in a rape-murder case that has outraged Iraqis.
Analysts say it is improbable the United States would ever make its troops answerable to Iraq's chaotic judicial system. (Reuters)
Contrast that with a recent speech by Bush:
The rise of a free and self-governing Iraq will deny terrorists a base of operation, discredit their narrow ideology, and give momentum to reformers across the region. This will be a decisive blow to terrorism at the heart of its power, and a victory for the security of America and the civilized world.
(President Outlines Steps to Help Iraq Achieve Democracy and Freedom)
There are so many issues tied up here, but of the key ones is; sovereignty, self determination and justice.
Obviously the Bush model for a free democratic Iraq allows for these only under the aegis of US control.
7 comments:
silly of me...
I'm sure Cheney, Rumsfeld, et al are having a good laugh over this one.
Actually I can see good reasons why we wouldn't want to subject American military personnel to an Iraqi justice system. I would be happy if we subjected them to an honest military justice system. We'll see if that happens.
RBE, I agree to a point. But if an American, or australian for that matter, civilian gets caught playing up overseas they face local justice.
In the end, I still think people further up the chain of command should be taking some responsibilty for these sick activities.
It's silly that the UN, who holds NO power, has granted US immunity which applies to Iraqi law. If the police, government and the people wanted justice, they would point their barrels the other way.
Or perhaps they just need a bit more time.
You're absolutely right about people further up the chain of command should be taking some responsibility for these sick activities - basically Rummy, Cheney, and Bush set them in maotion w/ their laissez fairr "don't get caught" attitude at the overseas prisons sites. Obviously the attitude as run throughout the rest of the military.
rum, odd isn't it?
RBE, it will never happen. Gotta cover that arse at all times.
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