I figured I would give this a try.... I plan to write on topics ranging from politics, culture, travel, and everything in between! Enjoy and leave comments!
As some of you may know, I am currently studying at the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom. I am taking a course on international law. In my discussion of 15 people, I am the only American... a first for me. Anyway, today we spoke about the legality of Israel's 1976 decision to raid the Entebbe Airport in Uganda, where nearly 100 Israelis were held captive after their Air France plane was hijacked by terrorists. The operation was able to save nearly all of the hostages; however, Yoni Netanyahu, the future prime minister's older brother lost his life as the commander of the operation. Student after student declared that Israel's actions were illegal because the Israelis had violated the sovereignty of Uganda's territory. Nevertheless, I held the view that Israel had a fundamental responsibility to protect its nationals abroad. Clearly the international law on the issue is murky; nevertheless, many countries, including the United States have taken steps to protect their citizens abroad (i.e. in Iran) without as much vilification as Israel saw after their necessary action.
4 comments:
Great point Justin. The main thing in that incident is that Israel was faced with a hostile Uganda govt. that was basically aiding the terrorists in imprisoning Israeli Citizens, thus failing to uphold its resposibilities as a member of the world community. It was Uganda's lack of actions that forced Israel to take matters into their own hands. Uganda's actions during the crisis could very easily be interpreted as an act of war by international law, thus allowing for Israel's actions to become legitimate and necessary. The fact that Israel catches flack for saving that many lives, while other countries (russia, iran) violate the sovereignty of other nations all the time, shows the lever of anti Israeli propoganda and hatred taht exists in places like Europe and the UN. Its really just a sad reality that to them, Israel is always at fault.
Allen
Agree with you Benson I do. Correct me if I am wrong but is is not against International Law to hold citizens hostage....especially when not in time of war? Besides does anyone follow International Law regardless? Israel had the absolute right, and isn't interesting that Israel just let go over two hundred Palestinian prisoners...hmmm the moves they make I just don't know why they do it sometimes. I would vote for Bebe....im sick of these unilateral decisions being made by Kadima.
Yea B.B. is the man, Olmert is seeling out Israel to appear to be a leader, can't wait till they have elctions again, hopefully before he give up the golan heights.
Great work. I see this you being a "light among the nations" be exposing their anti-Zionist bias.
In my own personal opinion, America's handling of terrorism post 9/11 solidified the right to take action in this case, whereas before the law was ambiguous.
Keep in mind, the UN first and foremost upholds a nation's right to sovereignty, whether or not that sovereignty is "good".
Post a Comment