Another UN Scandal on Annan's Watch
If Kofi Annan hadn't spent so much time bashing America and feathering his son's nest, perhaps he would have been able to do something about rape and abuse of Sudanese children by UN "peacekeepers" which reportedly started two years ago.
Then again, given that Annan did nothing about the UN's record of sexual exploitation in the Congo, perhaps it's not surprising that he simply chose to look the other way.
Then again, given that Annan did nothing about the UN's record of sexual exploitation in the Congo, perhaps it's not surprising that he simply chose to look the other way.
posted by LadybugUSA at 9:30 AM
6 Comments:
Considering the cases of American troops raping and murdering in Iraq, it really is a case of throwing stones in glass houses.
The rules apply to all nations - America is not exempt
I remember as a young Junior NCO in Southeast Asia, asking a superior, "When do we get to rape, pillage and loot?" While it was meant as a simple sarcastic joke, I was called into the CO's office and received a lengthly lecture about the expected attitudes of American GI's. I was warned that any such comments in the future would be met with an Article 15 and loss of rank.
When American troops committ these actions they are tried and put in Jail if guilty. Yes there have been incidents that we are embarrased about, but how dare you compare us to them. There is no common ground whatsoever.
I fully agree that the UN should get its act together - however the UN does not have its own standing army but relies upon troops from other nations, so it is really the fault of the other nations.
My point is that America is not innocent in this regard. Apart from the recent situation of those soldiers raping and murdering a family in Iraq, we also have the My Lai massacre.
Given this situation, plus the goings on at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay, America has little moral high ground to criticise other nations for things it is also guilty of.
Ah Me Lai - As I recall men went to prison over that one. Abu Graib, The Army had already started proceedings when the news broke the story. As to the story you refer to - I do believe that there is a court matrial is process. Lets wait till the trial is complete?
The military does not condone or allow these actions. When they do occur, the people involved are punished harshly.
In Gitmo we have Prisoners who were taken on the battlefield, and btw not in Uniform, therefore they are not eligile for the rights that you and I have under the constitution. Since military conflict began, people like that were held captive for the duration. Lets see how other nations treated their captives - Go watch the movie Bridge on the River Kwai.
How many captives have we beheaded on camera?
The military is made up of people under supreme stress, however I will match the quality and humanity of the American Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman against any Military person since the Alexander the Great.
I admit to a great deal of bitterness and anger over the way I was received by my country when I returned from Vietnam. I took an oath that I will not stand by and allow that to happen again.
These young men and women are doing a Job that you do not want to and I am no longer able to.
Thank G-d we have young men and women of their caliber
Actually Colin Powell was involved in trying to cover up My Lai.
Lessons from Vietnam have been learned. We put our young men and women in harm's way and they can only be expected to do their best.
To me, the Iraq war was a monumental mistake that will reverberate throughout history. Over 600,000 Iraqis have died and for what?
And who's fault is it? The men we sent? No. Vietnam was a colossal error too but I certainly don't blame you or the other vets for it.
You can be against the war and FOR the troops.
Salient:
You have a habit of answering the quesion that you want to. This is an excellent tactic in an oral debate, but a written one is another story.
The Phrase that you used is
"My point is that America is not innocent in this regard. Apart from the recent situation of those soldiers raping and murdering a family in Iraq, we also have the My Lai massacre."
This was a direct slam against our Troops. Whether or not Colin Powell tried to cover it up is besides the point. The point is that the system did work, criminals were punished.
I will grant you that America has done some things that I am not proud of. However if you look at the 20th century you will find that Millions of young Americans have sacrificed life and limb to free other nations.
When I was in Southeast Asia I was told by a young man that the American flag has 50 stars, one for each nation that they have conquered. This myth, in my opinion, is a root cause of our national unpopularity.
I will give you many points, however I will not let you accuse American troops of
"...raping and murdering in Iraq."
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