Nicholas Salmons
10/15/09
11:36 pm
This article covered the drafting and supporting of a report brought together by an "expert group" regarding violations of human rights and other war crimes committed by both Israeli and Palestinian forces during a conflict in Gaza that began on December 27 of last year and lasted through January 18. According to the article, during these 23 days, roughly 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed. One Israeli ambassador has condemned the report as being an overly one-sided example of "Israel bashing," and as such, "will set back hopes for peace." Some (like the US) have stepped away from the report, claiming that it may draw excessive attention away from efforts toward peacemaking. Others say that just such attention is necessary in order to pursue a peace that is legitimate, where trust is inherently tied into the solution. For now, the Security Council is attempting to come to some consensus for establishing a mandatory investigation on both sides of the conflict, so that both parties take responsibility for their respective crimes.
I think the idea of pursuing fairness in war is somewhat paradoxical. I believe there is a certain ideal code of conduct in any given situation, but I also believe that it is through escalating violations in these codes that war is brought about. So really, how can a situation that results from one party offending another on some level breed anything more than more offense, unless forgiveness - an immediate and sincere seeking of resolution, not evenness - is involved? I don't expect that to be implemented any time soon into any global policies - I can't even do it on my own.
I think the role of human rights in war isn't one. I think war isn't human, and I think it is completely human. To ask, "What is more fair/human/lawful: a bullet through the head, a slit throat, or burning at the stake?" just seems ridiculous.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hj4Q2pdqZHVVfQcbXxokISeln93QD9BBJL880
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