Originally posted by Syrian Sister
LOL, a warcrime legitimised in writing, by an illegitimate puppet government.
It's still illegal under international law.
What exactly are you saying is illegal under international law and, therefore, a warcrime? A law put in place by an elected Government has been
applied against these women because they murdered a number of policemen. Carrying out that sentence is NOT a warcrime unless it is in breach of the
Geneva conventions. The Government arguably has rather more legitimacy in terms of its democratic credentials than any other in the region and
certainly more so than those administered by unelected dictators who hold power by accident of birth or brute force alone.
We discussed the conventions earlier in the thread. As far as I know, (and no I'm not psychic any more than you are), the conventions do not apply
to these women because they were not regular soldiers, (wearing recognised uniforms, carrying their weapons openly etc.), but still acted as
combatants, i.e. not as civiliians. So, like I said, the sentences are a process of law and that is at least one step better than summary
justice.
It seems that the manner in which the legal process was applied left much to be desired but that is hardly news for much of the middle east even where
the West has not attempted to impose itself on others.
Now that your government applies it, we should like it and thankyou for this "civilisation".
It's actually being applied by the Iraqi judiciary which is nominally separate from the Iraqi Government, (elected by Iraqis), which, in turn is
separate from the US Government. Finally, although it may not always seem that way, the US Government is separate from the British Government and I
am British. So, whoever is applying the law in Iraq these days it certainly isn't my Government.
Oh right timeless, because you've got all the facts right, you have phsycic abilities. Since you have deemed them not to have POW status, then
they don't have it. No need for an independent international verdict, no need or the world of any leader, we have got you to tell us the way it
is.
Hey, don't knock it, I give a terrific service, I'm very cheap and usually available on line.
I've already conceded that I don't know all the facts, I am making what I think are some some reasonably well founded assumptions. If I am wrong
then the opportunity certainly exists to call those responsible before a war crimes tribunal in time. As it stands, even the journalist who wrote
the story, (who, if you do a little bit of research, you will find is far from an impartial observer), makes no attempt to suggest that the women did
not carry out the murders.
Prisoners of war have probably been executed in this fashion ILLEGALLY UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW, since the begining.
Maybe not in this fashion but I can only agree that innocents have certainly died at the hands of all sides.
Syrian Sister, let me make my position clear. I oppose the death penalty for all crimes in all countries and the present situation in Iraq brings me
no pride or pleasure other than my admiration for the courage and professionalism of the fighting forces of my country who are trying to do an
apallingly difficult job which is not of their personal choosing. But, if guerilla style freedom fighters murder policemen, or indeed anyone else,
then they must accept the consequences of their actions.
I would be far happier if they did not feel compelled to take such action but since they have then it is inevitable that, if caught, they will be
punished according to the law.
