UNITED NATIONS POLICY FORUM RAISES ISSUE OF INTERNATIONAL LAW (DRAFT FORM)

When we identify positively an enemy target, we're going to go ahead and take it out with every means we have available. I like to remember what Viscount Slim said during the Burma campaign. He said, "Use a sledgehammer to crush a walnut." And that's exactly what we will do. We will use force, overwhelming combat power when it's necessary. - US Major General Charles H. Swannack Jr.

War and Occupation in Iraq
UNITED NATIONS, Global Policy Forum, February 2007
Conclusion to Global Policy, Section entitled: Attacks on Cities report on Iraq

International law sets clear standards for the conduct of military operations. The Geneva Conventions prohibit attacks which do not clearly distinguish between military targets and civilians, or have a disproportionate impact on civilians. Coalition military operations have clearly violated these laws, with massive displacement of populations, indiscriminate killings of civilians, and large-scale destruction of habitation and urban infrastructure, including historic buildings and religious sites. Coalition forces have violated further provisions of the Conventions by deliberately targeting hospitals, stopping emergency medical care and blocking the delivery of humanitarian aid. In further violation of the prohibition of “siege tactics,” they have deprived civilians of food, water, electricity, medical supplies and vital services. Such practices have inflicted collective punishment on Iraqis. Taken together they represent a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

Full report in draft form: http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/occupation/report/index.htm