ICC Vows Independence Amid US Sanctions, Forgets Who Funds Peacekeepers
ICC President Tomoko Akane stated, 'We never accept any kind of pressure from anyone,' a bold claim considering the US doesn't just apply 'pressure' – it applies sanctions. This isn't the first time the US has attempted to kneecap international bodies investigating its allies or its own alleged conduct; the George W. Bush administration withdrew from the ICC's founding treaty and passed
legislation authorizing military action to 'free' any American or allied personnel detained by the court. One might wonder if 'never accept any kind of pressure' includes the implied threat of force wrapped in financial penalties. The US, a country that routinely greenlights billions in military aid to governments facing international scrutiny (like the recent $14 billion package to Israel
included in HR 815, which passed with bipartisan support), seems to believe international law is only for others. When the ICC dares to examine potential war crimes by US allies, suddenly its legitimacy is questioned and its officials targeted. Funny how 'rules-based order' always means rules for thee, but not for me, especially when geopolitical interests or lucrative arms deals are on the line.
(OpenSecrets.org shows AIPAC donations exceeding $11 million to US politicians in recent cycles, influencing many votes on such aid packages.)