Isn’t Futility A Gas?
July 14, 2008, Matthew Good I should have spent some time today writing about the Sudanese government’s reaction to the recent charges leveled by the ICC that President Omar al-Bashir has played a role in the genocide in Darfur. There’s little point though. Unfortunately, the Sudanese government has international precedence on its side…
“Sudan’s UN envoy said the International Criminal Court had no jurisdiction in Sudan and that it would not co-operate.”
Like the United States, the Sudanese signed the Rome Statute in 2000 but refused to ratify it. The US, of course, decided to refuse to adhere to the authority of the ICC to protect members of the US military and government from possible prosecution. The Sudanese government shares the same position. Just as President Bush can disregard any ICC initiated charges, so too can President Omar al-Bashir. And, given that the Chinese have been complicit in aiding the Sudanese government militarily in Darfur, the Sudanese have an ally on the UN Security Council to ensure that they remain somewhat shielded, especially given the fact that China is Sudan’s chief oil exporter.
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It sure is…
I’m learning alot from you and I enjoy reading your blogs…thanks.
*enraged*
I can’t stand this shit.
There is an effin’ genocide in occurrence but no one is doing anything, because doing something could result in a loss of $$$$ (LORD FORBID) It’s all about who you know and what you’ve got, lives don’t mean anything.
And don’t you just love the fact that the ICC have still to decide if there are ‘reasonable’ grounds to issue an arrest warrant. Perhaps they should consult the ten women and girls who, having escaped capture to gather firewood, were all beaten, tortured and raped. Unbelievable as it is, a pro-[Sudanese] government rally is due to take place today. Meanwhile the UN fence-sitters are preparing to withdraw non-essential staff from Darfur, as a precaution in case of possible Sudanese reaction to the ICC intervention. It’s a wonderful world we live in…
The ICC is a great idea in principle. Unfortunately, the fact that countries can opt out of it almost makes it irrelevant. Still, it’s better than nothing.
[quote comment="58413"]The ICC is a great idea in principle. Unfortunately, the fact that countries can opt out of it almost makes it irrelevant…. [/quote]
The exposure is good though.
Quoting MG:
“Just as President Bush can disregard any ICC initiated charges, so too can President Omar al-Bashir.”
That’s exactly what came to my mind when I heard about it in the news this morning. Bashir may be a mass murderer but then that is what president Bush is too.
I don’t see the point in an international court house based on a more than descretionary conception of which crimes are to be charged while other such remain ignored.
For my taste this International war crimes court is no instance of authenticity since it misses to adress delinquents equally.
I know it’s a bit off but I think this never can’t be so off topic that it can’t be posted here anytime. It just broke my heart when I discovered that one:
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/clip66636#clip66700
Omar Khadr when he was just about 15 or 16 years old. If THAT’S not child abuse what is then?
On a related note, a profound piece on CBC Naitonal last night on Daoud Hari. He somehow managed to escape the genocide in Darfur but returned to the country as a translator for journalists in the hope of bringing attention to the atrocities in his country. He lost several family members and witnessed indescribable acts of cruelty and desperation. I’m trying to lay my hands on his book “The Translator” - sounds like quite a read.
[quote comment="58413"]The ICC is a great idea in principle. Unfortunately, the fact that countries can opt out of it almost makes it irrelevant. Still, it’s better than nothing.[/quote]
Just like the UN???
Meanwhile, 3000 UN peacekeepers are leaving Sudan - it is just too dangerous for them to remain.
In principle, genocide is not a bad idea either - you get rid of the people of different ethnicity/culture/religion etc. thereby eliminating possible internal conflicts. It is clear as mud ;(
I must say that I am always amazed at the curruption of those in power.
I have learned so much in the short time that I have been a member of this site. I dont always post, but I do always read the blogs. I find I now pay more attention.
Thanks Matt for all of your insights
It seems that the crime of mass murder isn’t considered a major crime. A crime that can be done by people with “immunity”. That sure sends a great message.