U.S. Drops U.N. Bid for War Crime Shield

[richlevy]

U.S. Drops U.N. Bid for War Crime Shield



By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writer


James Cunningham, U.S. deputy ambassador to the U.N., left, speaks to ...More...
UNITED NATIONS - Facing strong opposition, the United States announced Wednesday it was dropping a resolution seeking a new exemption for American peacekeepers from international prosecution for war crimes.

U.S. deputy ambassador James Cunningham made the announcement after a U.S. compromise that would limit the exemption to one final year failed to get support from key Security Council opponents.

Several council members refusing the compromise cited the abuse of Iraqi detainees by U.S. soldiers and Secretary-General Kofi Annan's opposition to renewing the exemption for a third year.

Well, it appears that the world no longer thinks of US soldiers as white knights. This has huge implications. It is one of the first examples of the US not getting support from its allies in an important vote. The US has long held itself above international law. Our response to international justice is that it is fine if the court tries someone we don't like, but don't come knocking here.

This could have significant implications down the road if another My Lai occurs. I don't think the next William Calley could expect 3 years house arrest and a pardon from the Hague.