FAQ: What exactly is a war crime? Who lays down the law?Both Israel and Palestine have been accused of committing war crimes in Gaza. But just what constitutes a “crime” in a state of war? And who makes up the rules?
War crimes
UN: Israel and Hamas guilty of war crimes
A UN fact-finding mission has accused both Israel and Palestine of committing war crimes in Gaza, with the former shelling civilian hospitals with white phosphorus and the latter wreaking terror with rockets.
Power to the people: forgive the tyrants
Forgiveness of a dictator and ensuring an end to their actions is more crucial than prosecuting them for war crimes, writes Sholto Byrnes. Refusing to seek vengeance shows victims “to be better than their oppressors”.
Guy Rundle: Inglourious basterd Scheungraber captured. Hooray?
Germany has captured another Nazi war criminal: Josef Scheungraber, 90, has been sentenced to life imprisonment. It’s undoubtedly right and proper to bring justice to these war crimes, says Guy Rundle — but only if justice is actually possible.
Israeli Gaza soldiers’ testimonies trigger furious reaction
Israeli soldiers who fought in the 2008 Gaza War say gross crimes were committed against civilians as a result of Israels lax military discipline.
An African autocrat takes the stand
Former Liberian president Charles Taylor’s trial represents the first time that an African leader has been brought to account before an international tribunal.
Justice looms for the torture team
The chance of an American president allowing the domestic prosecution of his predecessors for war crimes is essentially zero. American politics just doesn’t work that way.
Is Israel committing war crimes?
Israel has a poor recent track record when it comes to ensuring its actions are compatible with international human rights standards, writes Greg Barns.
