Iraq War Ten Years Later - Echoes of Nuremberg

Walt Zlotow

On the tenth anniversary of America's unnecessary, senseless and pre-emptive war of choice against Iraq, it is appropriate to review Principle VI of the Nuremberg Principles, the set of guidelines for determining what constitutes a war crime. The document was created by the International Law Commission of the United Nations to codify the legal principles underlying the Nuremberg Trials of Nazi party members following World War II.

Principle VI
 
"The crimes hereinafter set out are punishable as crimes under international law:

(a) Crimes against peace:

                (i) Planning, preparation, initiation or waging of a war of aggression or a war in violation of international treaties, agreements or assurances;

    (ii) Participation in a common plan or conspiracy for the accomplishment of any of the acts mentioned under  (i).

When America wins a criminal war started by another country it puts the perpetrators on trial and hangs them. When America withdraws from a criminal war it started but which has no winners, it builds the perpetrator in chief a presidential library and provides him a fabulous pension.