International Law, Not Really Binding

On September 10th, the #POTUS, Barack Obama, mentioned Syria did not abide by international law. What governing body edicted this law that is required to be internationally obeyed? My short research on the subject could not find any such dictating and enforcing entity. It is not the UN. So, who?

It is for this reason. There is no pan government entity dictating law internationally. There is only the hegemony of nations with the money and/or military influencing the rest.

When Libya was wrongfully invaded it was due to a clamoring of political leaders rattling sabres trying to show leadership through military might. Libya, whether you liked Qaddafi or not, was a sovereign nation. The rebels did not reach out to the UN with a request for recognition as a government in opposition to Qaddafi’s regime. The nations with power instead vied for the opportunity to hit the hated Qaddafi. Sad.

This is sad, because it violated “international law”; or as I refer to it, “generally accepted convention”. It is generally accepted that military actions against another independent, sovereign nation without provocation or invitation is an act of war. Still waiting to hear how Libya attacked or threatened Europe or America with their civil war. There was no provocation.

So, now on to Syria: to attack or not to attack, that is the question. Europe and the Obama administration have been looking for a good excuse to make it happen. The rebels are factions fighting together, sort of, and known al Qaeda elements are also in the opposition forces. Then Syria, or well connected rebels, uses gas on civilians. I am sure Assad is wishing this was his dad’s problem and not his. Oh, these could be the WMDs that could not be found in Iraq since they were trucked into Syria who was a disinterested third party funnelling in rebels to fight coalition forces. But, I digress.

The POTUS was given an out, blame Congress and give a really confusing, mixed messages speech about what he is going to do but not do unless left and right align and Syria fails diplomatic outreaches. That is not what leadership looks like. That is what a comical puppet looks like. POTUS should fire his policy people. They make him look stupid. I guess it is not really their fault when most of their job experience has been in the classroom where the teachers already know the answers. In the real world life is testable every day.

So, we have a weak leader casting blame on Congress and an ethereal compliance to international law. What consideration has been given to the UN or regional neighbors? Everyone should be working really hard to keep Israel out of it. Israel does not play. Everyday for all Israeli is a day of war and potential conflict. Israel would find the quickest way to a solution.

Did anyone think to research whether the current Assad of Syria said he would honor any of the treaties of his predecessor?

Russia’s Putin (pronounced pu-tin, not pootin’) has shown more decisiveness than UN, US, and rest of Europe. You would think pretenders to the global throne of leadership would be stepping forward. Has it been ceded to Mr Putin by default? Where is the UN leadership? Where is the EU leadership? And, where’s Waldo. I still cannot find that guy in the scarf or his nemesis Odlaw.

International law is not really law at all. At most, it is binding agreements between independent, sovereign nations who may or may not adhere to the letter of the terms based upon the exigencies of their nation’s wants or political aims. It is easier to enforce a speed limit than “international law”. People who use that as their crutch are selling snake oil curatives or pulling wool over the eyes of the ignorant. There is no international law; only mutually serving treaties.

Unless an opposition government can be formed in Syria and that government reaches out to the UN or regional neighbor nations, Syria is a nation in civil war. Military action against Syria without invitation from a legitimate opposition government breaks the vaunted and quoted international law, too. Military action without a request from the legitimate opposition government is invasion; a bully picking on a weaker because they can.

In the 1770s, the opposition government in America reached out to European nations for legitimacy and aid. In the 1940s, the opposition government in France reached out to the UK and the USA for recognition and aid. That is just two examples how that has been done correctly historically.

If Assad and generals lose, try them as in times passed. If they win, work with them diplomatically through the UN and try to get them to agree to specific binding resolutions. If that does not work, cut off the external economic engine. It is not Muslim versus the west, Assad’s Syria kills Muslim. It is a dictatorial Syria that does not value the lives of its citizens. That is the loudest argument to make, but it is not being made.

Why does the UN not work as intended? It is as effective as the general assembly as shown in the Star Wars movies; all argument and procedure, ineffective otherwise.

International law is a misnomer. It is all treaties without enforcement. Not really binding if independent, sovereign nations choose not to participate. If they do not, fine. Do not participate with them socially, economically, or diplomatically until they are willing to participate in and comply with generally accepted conventions for the international community.

‘Nuff said.