Should the Blackwater Guards be tried in Iraq?
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Hi everyone. Hope your commute was nicer than mine. I spent it struggling to breathe as more and more desperate passengers crammed onto London's Central Line. I'm not having much better luck at the office, where I've had to scrounge for a desk and a chair to sit in. At least my husband packed my lunch! Speaking of husbands (or wives), we discussed the impending announcement of divorce in France's first family. It's expected that Nicholas and Cecilia Sarkozy will announce the breakup of their marriage this week... It got us thinking about the balance between success and happiness. Which is more important to you? Have you chosen work over a relationship? What impact has it had? Is it inevitable that great success brings great personal sacrifice?
We're looking at that for tomorrow. Meanwhile, here are today's topics:
SHOULD THE BLACKWATER GUARDS BE TRIED IN IRAQ?
It is now a month since the incident when Blackwater guards opened fire on Iraqi civilians in Baghdad, killing at least 17 people. Meanwhile, Lubna in Baghdad sent us this email a few days ago:
"Today I went to my college in order to get my medical references in preparation for my 4th year in medical school. I found out that my colleague Ahmed Heithem Al-Rubeiay and his mother Dr. Mahasin Muhsin were among the people who were killed by "Black Water" employees in the famous incident of Al-Nisoor square! Ahmed Heithem is one year younger than me, he has just finished his 2nd year at our college and he was preparing for his 3rd year! My question is this: Were my colleague Ahmed and his mom carrying guns and shooting at "Black Water" employees???!!!"
Iraq's human rights minister, Mrs. Wijdan Salim says the Blackwater guards should be tried in Iraq and punished accordingly.
Is she right?
Does Iraq have the right to try them? Should they push ahead, even if it means the departure of thousands of private security personnel from Iraq? Or do the guards deserve to face justice at home, not least because they are providing a vital service under hellish circumstances?
Here's the story: https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7046272.stm
Post here: www.bbcnews.com/worldhaveyoursay
CROSSING THE LINE
Turkish lawmakers are debating whether or not to authorize military force against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq. Ankara says the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) is a terrorist group that enjoys free movement in northern Iraq and blames it for the deaths of at least 15 Turkish soldiers in the past two weeks. If approved, the measures would be valid for a year and would allow multiple cross-border operations. Both Iraq and the US are worried and have urged Turkey to talk, rather than fight.
But if its people are being attacked, does Turkey have a right to respond, even if it means crossing the border?
Here's the story: https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7046114.stm
Speak to you later,
Anu
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