Explores the history of global
justice, the politics behind America's opposition to the ICC and the world implication
of this
End of the Cold war left the world with one hegemony. In 2003, 89
countries signed to inaugurate the ICC, yet
America was
contrary to all international norms, not only refused to sign, but revoked it's previous ratification of the preceding
treaty of Paris. America has made it clear that the ICC's mandate is not in alignment with American values and goals.
Their major objection was that might was right, and the ICC's ability to override national law could not be tolerated. In
other words, America's hegemony placed itself above international law. Although the Democratic government signed
the inaugurating treaty, the subsequent Republican regime of George W. Bush set out to destroy the ICC by every
means at its disposal, including cajoling countries that would not join her in abrogating the Paris treaty by threatening
sanctions against, and withdrawal of aid, from those countries. To date none of the countries has surrendered to this.
The knee-jerk reaction to 9/11, and its use as an excuse to implement the already-agreed invasion of Iraq involved a
number of prominent Americans, all of whom are now discredited and emasculated
Paul Wolfowiitz sidelined to the World Bank and subsequently forced to resign
Douglas Feith who as udersecretary of Defence, provided Dick Cheney with manipulated evidence, has left his post
John Bolton sidelined to United Nations but since ousted by Congress refusing to reconfirm him
Alberto Gonzales, Attorney- General who ruled torture at Guantanamo Bay was justified, resigned after congress trial
L. Lewis Libby chief of staff to Cheney convicted of obstructing justice and of perjury ( later pardoned by Bush)
Donald Rumsfeld, sacked by Bush after dismal Republican showing in mid- term elections
Dick Cheney, supposedly distant from the blatant crimes of his former company in Iraq, resoundingly defeated 90-9 in
Congress in his confrontatiion with John McCain on further funding for Iraqi war, remains at his post, and even sneaked
in a 'signing statement' which gives Bush the final say on the use of torture.
Quotes :"Luis Moreno-Ocampo Chief Prosecutor of the ICC- "Only the rule of law can protect us."
Gorbachov "Ideology is not a suitable basis for foreign policy."
Socrates "Justice is an equilibrium, the health of an entity, human or state, without which the entity is bound to fail"
Thucydides "The strong do as they please; the weak seek justice."
Notes: 1) Russia, India and Chine have also withheld signature but Pinochet, Taylor and Milosevic arraigned by ICC
2) Gary Solis- authority on military tribunals -Significantly, he had to introduce teaching of the Geneva Convention to West Point cadets in
1996. Prior to this, laws and rules of war were not taught at America's prime military academy.