"Leaders did not expect legal threats to shift Vladimir Putin or end war crimes by his troops. But they understood the importance of naming what had happened as an illegal act of aggression, and of seeking to hold those responsible accountable. The same countries have been strikingly muted since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran."
"As in Ukraine, the original sin has quickly been compounded, with the deaths of over a thousand civilians reported in Iran alone including in the strike on a girls' school which killed at least 175 people, mostly children: evidence points to US responsibility. Serious violations of the laws of war, reckless as well as deliberate, constitute war crimes."
"The contrast between the west's rhetoric about universal standards and its selective outrage is glaringly and increasingly evident to people around the world. They noted the bleak contrast between the passionate defence of Ukraine and the apparent indifference to genocide in Gaza."
Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Western leaders emphasized the importance of naming illegal aggression and pursuing accountability for war crimes. However, these same countries have responded with muted criticism to US and Israeli military operations against Iran, with most leaders avoiding condemnation despite clear violations of international law. The US and Israeli actions have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including over a thousand deaths in Iran and strikes on civilian infrastructure like schools. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's declaration of giving no quarter violates international humanitarian law, while Israeli attacks on Lebanon appear disproportionate. This selective outrage contrasts sharply with Western rhetoric about universal standards, creating a credibility gap that undermines international law principles globally.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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