POWs

Posted on March 23, 2003 in Pointers

A couple of bloggers have noted the capture of up to twelve U.S. soldiers including one woman by Iraqi soldiers. Christopher of Back to Iraq supports the Geneva Conventions, but adds that the United States has not been the model warrior:

While I agree that Iraq should follow the letter and spirit of the Conventions, the U.S. has been less than thorough in keeping true to these protocols itself, weakening its case. The prisoners at Camp X-Ray in Guantanamo Bay have been held in a legal limbo for months now. Some have been shipped to other countries that employ horrific interrogation methods. Human Rights Watch has urged the Bush Administration to determine the detainees’ status and then launch criminal prosecution “where credible evidence exists.” Indefinite detention is not legal under the Conventions, despite President Bush’s claim to be upholding the “principles” of the Third Convention.

Jeremy climbed farther out on a limb:

The U.S. government is putting inmense pressure on all of the major networks to prevent them from showing this footage. Out of respect for the soldiers’ families? No. They are going all out to suppress this footage because they know that if AMERICANS SEE IT, THEY WILL BE JUSTLY HORRIFIED AND SUPPORT FOR THE WAR WILL DIMINISH. If there is one thing Americans do not want it is another Vietnam…..By sending a short message to the major networks, stating that you wish to see the American prisoners video, we could manage to show the nation what war really looks like.

I’m taking a deep breath on this one. When I examine my heart, I find myself closer to Christopher’s position. I have no sympathy for the U.S. crying about this relatively minor violation of the Geneva protocols. It has violated international law in so many ways trying to wage this war on terrorism that it is like a drug lord whining because another of his breed welshed on a deal. Sorry, Mr. Rumsfeld: I hold you and Mr. Bush responsible for this. No convenant is worth the paper it is written on when a major power weasels arounding observing it. When you take broad steps to undo every violation of the Geneva protocols that you have committed since taking office, then I will join you.

My sympathy is with the families of the soldiers and the men themselves. It is certainly humiliating. Contrary to what Jeremy says, I think that getting this on networks may backfire. Or it may not. For these reasons, I neither endorse nor oppose Jeremy’s action. I’m still watching and waiting.