Why, if the war in Iraq is deemed illegal by the UN, aren’t Bush & Blair facing war crimes charges?

Answer 1

War Crimes and legality as viewed by the UN (general assembly) are different.

War crimes are like attacking civilian populations (like at Fallujah), mistreating prisoners (like Abu Ghraib), deporting people (like to Guantanamo or some alleged interrogation centres in Europe and outside)... They are judged by the tribunal at The Hague.

However, no American soldier can be judged at The Hague; they have special immunity. I presume that extends to the Commander in Chief. Mr Bush is safe.

As for Mr Blair, it will have to be proved that the British Soldiers have committed war crimes (like the recent video) and probably that Mr Blair was aware of gave the orders.

Basically, it will not happen.

Answer 2

Because carrying on an armed conflict without the UN's permission does not qualify as a war crime. War crimes are spelled out pretty specifically and include things like intentionally targeting civilian populations, indiscriminately executing captured prisoners, intentionally targeting hospitals, religious sites, and things like that. The condition of the US's action is that the US has invoked the doctrine of pre-emptive self-defense, a very ancient doctrine, but the UN has not ratified its armed action, effectively refusing to accept that the conflict fits the criteria of pre-emptive self-defense. The conflict has less legitimacy than the UN Charter says conflicts should have, but non-compliance with the UN in this respect comes nowhere near the level of a war crime.

Answer 3

On October 2nd, 2002, the U.S. Congress gave President Bush the authorization to wage war against Iraq.

It was a de facto declaration of war. The Constitution doesn't provide the method Congress must use to declare war. It looks like Congress can do it any way it wants. And in this case, it was done through a joint resolution.

You'll notice the U.N. hasn't demanded the U.S. immediately withdraw from Iraq. If the U.N. really thought the U.S. was committing a war crime, why hasn't it said so?

Answer 4

A lot of things happened. Italy and Spain were there. ONU told to not do it, but Bush didn't pay attention.

Why these countries are not facing problems with ONU, like India or Egypt would face? Because we ara talking about real world and not Ethics. There is no Democracy, there is no equal rights. Like in a jungle, who has more power can determine rules.

Justice is just a fairtales to keep people calm and provide some support to usual society cutting worst situations.

It has been always like this and will not change so soon.

Answer 5

Well, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ARE illegal, there is no doubt about it. And I hope that sooner or later Bush, Blair and their main co-conspirators will be brought to Justice and stand trial in The Hague. In the same was as Slobodan Milosevic, who also seemed to be untouchable and above the Law for quite a long time.

Answer 6

1) Historically only the losers face war crimes.
2) We aren't losing. There is also no country to press charges against us.
3) The US is the most powerful nation on earth. We are the only enforcer of UN laws with any guts. Using this logic we would never decide to prosecute ourselves.

Answer 7

Bush and Blair may be getting some things wrong, but they are doing something to try and end this madness, whilst the rest of the world seems to hide behind their metaphorical skirts. If the whole world, including all those Muslims that swear they hate what's going on, stood up and protested or tried to do something to end the insanity, this world would become a better place.

Answer 8

It won't be deemed illegal. The UN was all over it with us, but because of the whole oil for food and stuff like that, they couldn't support it. If the UN didn't have to protect it's own ***, they would have all been right there with us.

Answer 9

No probability. To be a conflict criminal someone ought to have had to have lost a conflict and be held captive and because neither Bush nor Blair are held in captivity, i will not see how they are going to ever be charged with conflict crimes proper or incorrect. another small element now to not be neglected is that both Bush and Blair are electorate of countries which have large militia stress - you could besides ask the Mafia to quit one in all their Capos - not gonna ensue not without distinct gadget-gun noises.

Answer 10

When The UN is bought like a prostitute a liberal like you supports the UN
In the Congo UN troops raped children and you are concerned with the UN
The UN ignored sanctions and got oil money from Saddam
it only highlights that you are a true idiot like most liberals.