Juan Cole-Wonders if Pinochet's Fate Awaits George Bush

[kpete]

Bush reaffirmed Thursday his policy of willingness to strike first against states he considers enemies.

There is a real problem of definition here. If Bush means that he will strike at terrorists whom he has good reason to suspect of imminently carrying out an attack on the US, then that is in accord with the United Nations Charter. States can always engage in self-defense from imminent threat.

But if he means he can go around invading other countries because he doesn't like the looks of them--which is what he actually does seem to mean-- then that is a war crime both in US law and in international law.

You wonder if the Bushes will be able to vacation in Europe when he goes out of office, or if Pinochet's fate awaits George.

http://www.juancole.com/2006/03/bush-affirms-policy-of-preemptive.html
http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/ap/2006/03/16/ap2601005.html

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. What I greatly fear

is that there will be no world to condemn Bush for his reckless policies. There is still a chance to avert the destruction of the planet, but it will take the collective consciousness of all to do it.

[HereSince1628]

2. IMHO Bush is planning for retirement on St. Helena.

[tanyev]

3. I thought that said Pinocchio's Fate at first.

I'd certainly get a kick out of it.

[EST]

4. When, to my great disappointment and anger, Ford diverted

any real justice for Nixon, the country took a horrible hit. True to form, if boosh should show a moment of sanity and resign, the small minded, grasping congress will give him unlimited pardon for his evident crimes as well as those which will come to light.

Given the security provided to ex-presidents and the political deference and power they still wield, no matter how dysfunctional they are, he will continue to influence American politics for years to come-safely, of course.

I would not say as much for any foreign influence or travel, although, as with the unfortunate CIA rendition flights, there is no doubt he will be able to sneak in and out practically anywhere, giving him ample opportunity to attend high level meetings with the real owners of the world-Carlyle Group, The big 8, Halliburton and a few others.

There is no practical way to punish this immature, imbecilic miscreant for the pain and horror he has subjected the world to. Even with the not so venerable Hitler to show him the way, that bum will never do the honorable thing, more pity, us.