With the recent announcement of the US to ban any spending in 35 countries because they would not vote to exempt US citizens from criminal prosecutions in an international court one has to ask this question...
Why does the world have to do what the US says, but the US does not have to do what it says for everyone else to do?
If someone would care to tell me the principle behind this I would appreciate it.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 3231 100%
Okay, why 35? let's increase it to 50! :
U.S. CUTS FUNDS TO 50 NATIONS
The United States has made good on its threat to punish countries that have
not signed an agreement exempting American military and other personnel from
prosecution in the International Criminal Court, declaring some 50 countries
ineligible for U.S. military aid.
https://www.cnn.com/2003/US/07/01/us.icc.aid/index.html
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 3231 100%
This is ridiculous. Does the US actually think that this will get people of other nations to stand behind this bill? Let alone get those nations to back him when something else comes up (i.e. another war somewhere else). I believe that the US is acting like a bully. But don't all bullies get what is coming to them in the end? The US is going to keep doing things like this, and they will definitely be left standing alone. It is really sad, that George Bush feels that he has to 'bully' and punish others for what he, himself, cannot seem to follow. It is definitely the pot calling the kettle black. I mean if the US military or any other personnel, is in another country and did something devious or illegal while they are there, I believe that they should be held responsible for it. But they should also be tried in that country's judicial system. It is only fair, for when it happens here, they hold the person(s) responsible and also try that person(s) in a US court. This sounds bad, but I wish Bush would get over his 'ego trip' and try repairing broken relations with the countries he upset and lost their support when he declared war on Iraq. But instead, it's like Bush is trying to make more enemies instead of allies.
[quote]I wish Bush would get over his 'ego trip' and try repairing broken relations with the countries he upset and lost their support when he declared war on Iraq. But instead, it's like Bush is trying to make more enemies instead of allies.[/quote]
I think Bush's strategy is to 'ride' on September 11th for all its worth. He could not do 1/3 of the things he has been doing if it was not for the 'excuse'/'reason' of the 'War on Terrorism'. Now do not get me wrong, there is a definite war out there, but like you said Msslm, you do not have to make enemies out of your friends, that is so unwise. If you want to stop giving aid, then stop, don't use the excuse about the international court : I for one, believes that the US should channel its money into helping its' own people that are suffering then they can look at external interest if there is anything left over.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 3231 100%
I think this is ridiculous too! I could not believe it when I heard it, specially because it is such an unwise decision Bush is taking at this time where the economy in the USA is not great plus when they're in war. *shaking head*. He's not really thinking or whoever is counseling him is not doing a good job. :
Anyhow, I personally think that the USA should see about the matters of its country because let's be honest, even though the USA is one of the most powerful nations around the world, they still having lots of things that they can use their money for, education, better health system and not to mention that 5,000,000 kids go hungry every year there I know it may be low compared to other countries but as a President of the United States his first first responsibility is to his own people!.
Now, the issue of banning other countries because they don't agree with them, is terrible. This whole thing proved my point when I said that when the USA demands of other countries to get rid of weapons of mass destruction (which I think they're right) then they must do it too!, because they do also have weapons of mass destructions, now why the 'law' must be applied to everybody else and the USA always must be the exception? because they have a great army? because they can declare war to anybody?. I don't want to sound to harsh, but the whole attitute of the government at this moment in the States sounds even worst than a dictatorship 'You're with us or against us' :
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 1089 100%
Definitely bullying the rest of the world! Liken it to the local police force. They abuse their authority and physically abuse the detainees. Then what do these rogue policemen get? They are hauled up for investigation, and if found to have abused their powers and to have abused the rights of the individuals, they are subject to punishment under the law. So, same principle applies to the world stage. What's so difficult for the US to understand? You have done wrong by world's standards, be prepared to face the music.
Check out this commentary. Is it true? Are those Guantanamo detainees really deprived of all human rights? It does make me wonder .... how the US can be so blatant in its double standards on the definitions and practice of human rights!
https://www.gulf-news.com/Articles/opinion....ArticleID=93388
Yes it is sad but true, I also heard AMNESTY International made a check up of the prisoners of war so far and they said they're under terrible circumsntances, they are chain for days without proper food and the US doesn't allow them to get in touch with their families, lawyers or judges.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 1089 100%