Leashing the dogs of war

[xoxoxoBruce]

Long (6pages) but interesting read. called "Leashing the dogs of war."

WAR HAS always had rules, even if only to protect the dead. In The Iliad, for example, Homer tells us that Achilles' desecration of Hector's corpse angered the gods. Medieval churchmen sought to limit warfare to certain days of the week and evolved an entire just war theology to constrain the use of armed force. By the Age of Reason, international law "publicists" were busily expounding on the subject, and the 20th century opened with a substantial body of law governing both the right to initiate combat (jus ad bellum) and how armed force is applied (jus in bello). These "laws of war" were based both on custom and treaties and were accepted by all of the Great Powers--including the United States. In more recent years, however, fissures have opened between America and Europe over what the laws of war require with respect to when it is permissible to launch an armed attack, how warfare must be waged, and how the relevant legal norms should be enforced. Today, these disagreements are so fundamental that America and its partners in Europe can be said to operate under different legal codes.

It's a good explanation how the EU and the US differ on how and when, war should be waged.

[lookout123]

great article.

All you ever needed to know about war you learned in Kindergarten:

1) My side is right - "I'm bigger 'n you!"

2) Whatever action that is taken against enemy is well-deserved - "He hit me first!"

3)When things are not going well for your side appeal to the UN/Public Opinion - "I'm telling! MOM!"

4) If you win, you get to write the history books - "If you say anything to Mom when she comes home, you're toast!"

[tw]

from the NY Times Lawyers Decided Bans on Torture Didn't Bind Bush
A team of administration lawyers concluded in a March 2003 legal memorandum that President Bush was not bound by either an international treaty prohibiting torture or by a federal antitorture law because he had the authority as commander in chief to approve any technique needed to protect the nation's security.

When do we submit George Jr to The Hague for crimes against humanity. Where did he find these lawyers - the Third Riech?

[Happy Monkey]

Here's a good rundown.

[richlevy]

It was interesting to see Bush interact with the other politicos at the G8 summit. At the beginning of this year, the US policy in Iraq towards uncommitted nations was "sorry, no contracts for you. We MIGHT let you help out but you missed the gravy train". Now we are practically begging for any kind of assistance, knowing that no country will commit any significant troops to what most of the world sees as a US mess.

A few months ago Tony Blair was happy to have his picture taken next to GWB, now all of his meetings are behind closed doors and in public he literally couldn't touch Bush with a 10 foot pole.

I can only imagine the manuevering taking place to keep our current crop of allies with us in Iraq.

[jaguar]

Considering Cherny called the same nations now being politely asked for help the 'Chocolate making countries' I know my first response would be a bar of lindt extra creamy and a photo of me giving the finger.

3)When things are not going well for your side appeal to the UN/Public Opinion - "I'm telling! MOM!"

Gold =D

Originally posted by jaguar
Considering Cherny called the same nations now being politely asked for help the 'Chocolate making countries' I know my first response would be a bar of lindt extra creamy and a photo of me giving the finger.

Gold =D

Nice one, Jag. Lindt does make good chocolate, don't they? And so does Toblerone (hazel-nut bars - yum!). When I read your post, this image came to my mind of one of those nice Swiss brown cows rear end view, dumping a load of manure and the caption "I don't give a shit!" Diplomat response from Switzerland (eat your heart out USA, you're about 20 countries below us when it comes to standard of living).

God, how I would love to see Cheney getting the reward he so richly deserves. Probably not in this lifetime though. The great thing about being a not very good Buddhist is that I do get to imagine Cheney reaping his karma by coming back as a cockroach for at least the next several billion of his life times. ( a "good" Buddhist would have no attachment to outcomes and have compassion for all concrned, but I'm an AMERICAN Buddhist and I say "Kill'em all!")

[Happy Monkey]

Oops! Is Rumsfeld's face red!