"Bits and Bobs"

Counterpunch Feb 22nd 2003
Open Letter to Tony Blair

....."Be careful however that, if in the "fog of war" the Israelis decide to resolve the Palestinian problem, a la Sabra and Chattila camps."

Slowly, we have seen how Gaza has been turned into one vast prison, first by Sharon / Likud and now by Olmert and Livini (see pic). As the international leaders have either remained silent, or supportive, the Israeli Government and it's massive and hugely armed forces have reduced the Palestinian population, men, women .. and cildren, at work , at play .. on the beach ... to target practice.

Watching BBC Newsnight tonight , a young man (who may as well remain nameless - as he is shameless) said the action today had been "Bits and Bobs" ... the sole electricity power station bombed and put out of action, 3 bridges destroyed. Bombing from the air, shelling from the borders, from the sea, helicopter gunbships roraring in, supersonic overflights and booms endlessly.

A man, Hertzog, a Minister was put up to represent and defend this criminal subjugation - he choked on the words when Paxman suggested this wholesale bombardment was "collective punishment".

Fourth Geneva Convention :
Article 33. No protected person may be punished for an offence he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited.

To which has been added but not universally ratified ..

Protocol II of 1977 Article 75 which forbids hostage taking also explicitly forbids collective punishment....

2. The following acts are and shall remain prohibited at any time and in any place whatsoever, whether committed by civilian or by military agents:
(a) violence to the life, health, or physical or mental well-being of persons, in particular:
(i) murder;
(ii) torture of all kinds, whether physical or mental;
(iii) corporal punishment; and
(iv) mutilation;

(b) outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment, enforced prostitution and any form of indecent assault;
(c) the taking of hostages;
(d) collective punishments; and
(e) threats to commit any of the foregoing acts.

The BBC had overlooked asking anyone to represent humanity to vilify this conduct, this barbarian agression.An oversight ?

The Chancellories of Europe remain silent ... the better to hear the weeping of the widowed and the children.

"Bits and Bobs" indeed.

Lords Resistance Army

Incredible and first interview with Joseph Kony - Google this blog for history of this wicked bastard.

Evidently he is not short of dosh, dash, arms and friends in Sudan.

The Dark Continent indeed.

First rate journalism - deserves an award.