Thank You For That, Sayeeda

[poliphilo]

Well of course David Cameron can't condemn Israel's bombing of civilian targets in Gaza as criminal because Israel is an ally and allies don't commit crimes.

Besides, just think of the ripples there'd be if he chose to throw that rock into the pond. If Israel is committing a crime then what about America's use of drones to kill people it doesn't like (along with their families, friends and neighbours) and Britain and America's long and promiscuous history of bombing cities from Dresden to Hiroshima to Belgrade to Tripoli? No, he'd be mad to go there.

All the same, it is a crime, isn't it- and so are all those other instances. And thank you,  Sayeeda Warsi,  for disassociating yourself from a government that refuses to say so. If only more ministers were prepared to resign over matters of principle!

Comments

[porsupah.livejournal.com]

There are many complaints I have with this administration, but that's at least a chink of humanity showing through. Not that I expect anything to happen, given it's the US in control of the matter, and the White House and Congress have both made their position very clear indeed: provide $3m in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and $3b in military aid to Israel. (And golly, if that money doesn't just come straight back to the US in armaments orders!)

Similarly, the Bahraini government is free to do as it pleases, knowing the US needs it as a strategic outpost. Allies are immune, whatever they do, much to my disappointment, if not surprise.

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

'If only more ministers were prepared to resign over matters of principle!'

This! Absolutely!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Governments are criminal organisations- or, to put it gently- they routinely get away with behaviour that would be considered criminal if it were done by private citizens.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

She's the first in this government according to the BBC One O'Clock News.

[qatsi.livejournal.com]

Assuming, of course, you're not counting the principle that "thou shalt not get found out" (David Laws, Liam Fox, ...)

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I notice Fox is back in favour again. He didn't have to spend long in the wilderness, did he!

[silent-mouse.livejournal.com]

Please. Just please. Don't go there.

Yes, Middle East is covered with crimes. Condemn them all then.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I do.

The difference is that Israel is a democracy- on the western model.

I don't think there's much point in shouting at any other nation or group in the Middle East; they're not listening. Israel just might....