tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366621735995057721.post7582264441554538125..comments2024-03-17T09:17:01.454+00:00Comments on Vic the Vicar!: Responsibility to protectVic Van Den Berghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581156515370131898noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366621735995057721.post-129098708972718732013-08-28T09:26:29.385+01:002013-08-28T09:26:29.385+01:00As usual Vic, a measured concise and legally accur...As usual Vic, a measured concise and legally accurate assessment of the rights and obligations of a responsible member of the international community. I am saddened when I hear many of the responses to this issue - I found myself almost shouting at some of the callers to the Jeremy Vine Show! In the end, it would be better if Russia used her position and influence in this situation. In fact, that is what I pray for most earnestly, in addition to prayers for comfort to the oppressed.<br /><br />Those who say it is nothing to do with us, miss the key point in all of this. We are all members of the same family. And when one hurts, we all should feel the pain.Colin Haynesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366621735995057721.post-60155500218278677652013-08-28T08:08:07.519+01:002013-08-28T08:08:07.519+01:00My issue with the government and the US going it a...My issue with the government and the US going it alone is the legality of it all. <br /><br />We acknowledge that a mandate from the UN Security Council, but believe that we have a 'moral imperative' to act alone, without UN Authority, despite the doubt of such actions in international law.<br /><br />What I find so distasteful is the drum beating and seeming readiness of those in power to rush into another war, because that is what it will be, without any consideration of it's wider impact on individual Syrians (so called pin point targeting in Iraq demonstrated the fallacy of such a thing - thousands of innocents killed) nor it's impact across the region. and even wider. Who are we protecting, the Syrian People (unlikely) or David Cameron's ego?<br /><br />Russia and Iran will not stand idly by - while our war ships might stand off 150 miles from Syria, they won't be immune from hostile action from Iran (extremely likely) and Russia (possibly). So, the idea that we can sanitize our involvement and justify doing everything remotely is at best mistaken at worst, foolishness.<br /><br />In the case of Iraq, the coalition went ahead without a UN Mandate, and now, years later, Tony Blair stands at risk of arrest for War Crimes if he sets foot in an unfriendly power. <br /><br />And, just what is Tony Blair doing. He is supposed to be the Middle East peace mediator. Currently he is swanning around on Millionaires yachts in the Med, while mouthing platitudes in support of some form of military action. Some peace mediator that?<br /><br />I understand that we have a responsibility to protect people against WMD, but the correct route is via the legal one of the United Nations, not the US, GB and perhaps France, going it alone on a wish and a prayer that we might get away with it. Only worldwide condemnation of President Assad and his correct regime and the cessation of support from Iran and Russia might get him to think again - because, like Gaddafi in Libya, he has nowhere else to Go. It's the reality for him win or die.<br /><br />Getting in is easy, extricating ourselves without a regional escalation seems to me to be much more problematic. <br /><br />I don't have any solutions other than robust diplomacy, sanctions and removal of all trade with Syria, economic destruction, even though the people will suffer might be the only legal sanction we have.UKViewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18114944341930758335noreply@blogger.com