Prosecuting American 'War Crimes'

[laststeamtrain]

Prosecuting American 'War Crimes'
The International Criminal Court claims jurisdiction over U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan.

By DANIEL SCHWAMMENTHAL

The Hague

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed "great regret" in August that the U.S. is not a signatory to the International Criminal Court (ICC). This has fueled speculation that the Obama administration may reverse another Bush policy and sign up for what could lead to the trial of Americans for war crimes in The Hague.

The ICC's chief prosecutor, though, has no intention of waiting for Washington to submit to the court's authority. Luis Moreno Ocampo says he already has jurisdiction—at least with respect to Afghanistan.

Because Kabul in 2003 ratified the Rome Statute—the ICC's founding treaty—all soldiers on Afghan territory, even those from nontreaty countries, fall under the ICC's oversight, Mr. Ocampo told me. And the chief prosecutor says he is already conducting a "preliminary examination" into whether NATO troops, including American soldiers, fighting the Taliban may have to be put in the dock.

"We have to check if crimes against humanity, war crimes or genocide have been committed in Afghanistan," Mr. Ocampo told me. "There are serious allegations against the Taliban and al Qaeda and serious allegations about warlords, even against some who are connected with members of the government." Taking up his inquiry of Allied soldiers, he added, "there are different reports about problems with bombings and there are also allegations about torture."

It was clear who the targets of these particular inquiries are but the chief prosecutor shied away from spelling it out.

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http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704013004574519253095440312.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

[Solly Mack]

1. k/r

[timeforpeace]

2. President Obama must be pretty sure no war crimes will be committed on his watch. Or that he will

ever be so charged.

[Politicalboi]

3. Let's hope this happens

I can't wait to see The Dick on the stand, with Knuckle Head Smith up next.

[mullard12ax7]

4. Gee willikers, I wonder why the U.S. dollar is collapsing? Could it be...

that a torturous, war criminal country of fraudulent banks and failed capitalist political whores aren't trusted by the rest of the world? Nah, let's just focus on a pro-corporate health insurance bill, that will help. NOT!

[DCKit]

5. I'll expect to see Dick Cheney all over the Sunday shows again. n/t

[Demeter]

6. At Last, Something to Be Thankful For

We're going to get our war criminals prosecuted. Granted it may take a few years, or even a decade, but hey! It's better than NOTHING.