Thread: PUB DISCUSSION Should Law Govern War?
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Old 04-19-2011, 08:20 AM   #7 (permalink)
aceventura3
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I found the contents quoted in the article cited below interesting:

Quote:
Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi are being accused of hiding in hospitals and firing on civilians from the roofs of mosques in Misrata, Sky News reports.

The head of NATO's military operations in Libya described the tactics as "immoral" and "underhanded."
Read more: Qaddafi Forces Reportedly Shooting at Civilians From Roofs of Mosques - FoxNews.com

On one hand we have NATO who has taken on a responsibility to enforce international law and save civilians complaining about a counter-tactic to the way they have enacted the No Fly Zone. It is like they are saying the enemy isn't playing fair. But, who are they saying that to? They are the law enforcement, what are they complaining about? Why not fix it? The whole concept behind international law regarding war is based on the willingness and ability to enforce the law. If either is missing these laws are not worth the paper they are written on.

Also, it seems pretty clear that a warring party in a desperate situation has every incentive to violate international law if gives them an advantage over the other party that is willing to constrain themselves to international law. Win the war, explain it later is better than getting defeated. Laws involving war is for academics, warriors know better.
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