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May 12, 2006
Geneva Convention: Still relevant?
Wretchard has an interesting post that begins by detailing a naval attack by a terrorist group on the Sri Lankan navy, then moves into a discussion of the relevance of the Geneva Convention to asymetrical wars, where only one side is interested in "playing by the rules."
It's doubtful whether either the warlords or the Islamists have much regard for the Laws of War and one wonders what exactly the "U.N.-backed transitional government" actually does.
British Defense Secretary John Reid created a stir by suggesting that the Geneva Convention be updated to reflect the realities of terrorism. "The legal constraints upon us have to be set against an enemy that adheres to no constraints whatsoever." It is probably fortunate that a European has posed this question because this ball really belongs in the court of the transnationalists. Any attempts to obtain realistic rules of engagement against terrorists by a US administration will be branded as fascistic.
So lets pose the question: how should one deal with combatants who have no regard for ceasefires, women, children, flags of truce, churches, mosques or the Rules of War?
It's an important question; the resulting discussion in the comments section is well worth reading.
Posted by Mike Lief at May 12, 2006 12:45 AM
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Comments
By obeying laws, we give ourselves the right to call ourselves civilized human beings. Criminals need to be given a fair trial and put in jail. We can't lose our humanity when defending our civil liberties.
Posted by: Sbarro at May 12, 2006 09:24 PM
First reaction, treat them in a similar duplicitous fashion. But we have to adhere to our own code of conduct. If we don't, the softer more idealistic folks will cry cruelty. As they have.
I think as the world progresses in this fashion, what John Reid proposes is almost necessary. Wars and conflict won't benefit from out of date criteria.
Posted by: Vermont Neighbor at May 14, 2006 12:30 PM