Donald Trump has run roughshod over America’s laws and norms. Yet, will he take a far more significant step of operating on the world stage as a lawless leader? Will he be willing to commit war crimes?
This weekend, POTUS indicated that the U.S. would target 52 “unspecified Iranian sites.” This action would occur should Iran retaliate in return for Trump ordering the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said that the United States has signed treaties to the effect that it will do no harm to cultural heritage during armed conflict, according to Reuters.
The U.S. president stood firm on its threats to attack Iranian cultural sites. POTUS warned of a “major retaliation” should Iran decide to respond to America assassinating one of its leading military commanders.
In 1954 and 1972 conventions, the United Nations (UN) ratified all members who signed on to not damage cultural and natural heritage on each other’s land. Both the U.S. and Iran signed them.
Then, Trump tweeted that his tweets should serve as “notification” to Congress:
‘These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner. Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless!’
Has Trump considered what it would mean should Iran attack priceless heritage locations?
Acting Washington Director at Human Rights Watch Andrea Prasow released a statement that read, according to The Apollo:
“President Trump should publicly reverse his threats against Iran’s cultural property and make clear that he will not authorize nor order war crimes.’
A number of individuals and organizations have warned Trump would be violating international law should he act on his threat. These included Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and international rights watchdog Human Rights Watch.
In fact, Trump has been more defiant. He told reporters Sunday:
‘They’re allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people. And we’re not allowed to touch their cultural sites? It doesn’t work that way.’
The Vanity Fair’s The Hive wrote that Senator Chris Murphy (D-NY) said:
‘Targeting civilians and cultural sites is what terrorists do. It’s a war crime. Trump is stumbling into a war of choice. A war entirely of his making. A war that will get thousands of Americans killed. Congress must stop him.’
Trump continued explaining the country had invested “two trillion dollars on military equipment:”
‘The United States just spent Two Trillion Dollars on Military Equipment. We are the biggest and by far the BEST in the World! If Iran attacks an American Base, or any American, we will be sending some of that brand new beautiful equipment their way…and without hesitation!’
Featured image via The Daily Mail website.
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