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Was Bin Laden's Killing Legal?
One European's view of the bin Laden action, and the WoT in general. (He neglects to discuss the Libyan action.)Americans are celebrating, but there are serious doubts about whether the targeted killing was legal under international law and the laws of war. I personally don't find it cause for public celebration or joy, though it doesn't much bother me. I do. U-lu-lu-lu-lu-lu!!! What is just about killing a feared terrorist in his home in the middle of Pakistan? Uh, we hadn't had any luck getting Pakistan to arrest and extradite him? Uh, Binny and the ISI were joined at the hip? Justice for crimes is "not achieved through summary executions, but through a punishment that is meted out at the end of a trial." That may be the ideal path, but in this case Plan B was required. Consider him tried and sentenced in the court of American public opinion, with execution carried out by our Special Forces. He can take up his appeal with Allan. Binny wasn't a criminal. He was a terrorist. Criminals get trials. Terrorists get whacked. Happy to explain it. Kress says the normal way of handling a man who is sought globally for commissioning murder would be to arrest him, put him on trial and ultimately convict him. And what business did the United States even have acting within the territory of Pakistan, a foreign power? A military strike that crosses national borders, barring acts of self-defense, is generally viewed as an infringement on sovereignty. They had their chances and chose, either through inaction or discreet action, this path. Those who don't respect the rules of sovereignty won't have their sovereignty respected. Harbor a wanted terrorist and someone's going to come get him. Posted by: Glenmore 2011-05-03 |
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