US Boat Strikes: 'Crimes Against Humanity' – But Only When It's Not Israel?
BBC World highlighted a former ICC prosecutor’s concern over US boat strikes, labeling them 'crimes against humanity' for targeting perceived drug traffickers. The US, the article notes, justified this by claiming an 'armed conflict' with drug gangs. It's truly fascinating how easily 'armed conflict' is invoked for some situations, yet for others, civilian vessels are merely regrettable
'collateral damage' in the pursuit of 'security operations.' While this particular call for accountability is notable, the mainstream media's memory often conveniently sidesteps comparable, or even worse, maritime incidents elsewhere. For example, during Israel's 2008-09 'Operation Cast Lead,' the Israeli Navy shelled fishing boats in Gaza's waters, killing civilians — incidents frequently
downplayed or ignored in Western reporting. One questions why the 'crimes against humanity' label isn't consistently applied, or even explored, when US allies are involved. Is it only a 'crime' if it’s inconvenient diplomacy?