Finally, 3 convicted of war crimes in Sierra Leone

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

Source: CNN.

I have been for many years to hear this news, and they still have not convicted Charles Taylor. Does anyone remember how long it took for them convict Milosovic? (I know I spelled it wrong. Please don't write to tell me. lol) That's right. They never did. He died after 4 years-at least- of waiting.

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP) -- A U.N.-backed court trying those accused of bearing greatest responsibility for the brutality of Sierra Leone's civil war issued its first verdicts Wednesday, convicting three former leaders of a junta that had terrorized the country during a brief reign.

The court found the three defendants guilty of 11 of 14 charges, including terrorism, using child soldiers, enslavement, rape and murder. [Continue reading.]

The crimes they did NOT convicted of were the crimes against the children. There were no sexually charged crimes that these scums were convicted for committed.

I have mixed feelings about this. I'm very glad these terrorists were convicted. This lets the other people know that when you enslave children and force them to take up arms, you will be found guilty of war crimes. This trial has set that precedent. On the other hand, if you only rape this child, then what? That doesn't matter? That is very disheartening.

Charles Taylor's trial began in the ICC a month ago. I guess we have at least 10 years before we get a verdict out of there. That is, if he lives that long...

Military News: 14 May 2007

Here are four articles which I find rather inspiring. I hope you do, too.

This first story is one that really touched my heart. You guys rock!

CJTF-HOA members donate time, supplies and compassion to orphanage.

DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti – Nestled in a remote and unassuming part of the city, a local Djibouti City orphanage awaits the arrival of members from Camp Lemonier. The children who live at the orphanage are in need of supplies, donations, and most important of all…love and affection.

Prior to the group’s departure from the base chapel, the seven volunteers made up of U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marines, made last-minute preparations for their trip to the orphanage by loading up supplies. The supplies were donated by both camp members and from a Marine master sergeant’s hometown friends who organized a donation drive to provide the children with gifts of goodwill and compassion. [Continue reading.]

Next we have a successful story of a province by the name of Maysan, albeit it does not come without setbacks and hardships.

U.S. Central Command Public Affairs.

Security authority for Maysan province was recently transferred to provincial Iraqi government. The province was the fourth to do this, and marks a milestone of 75 percent of Southeast Iraq as being transferred to provincial Iraqi control. The province had previously been under the authority of the U.K. military.

The Maysan Provincial Reconstruction Team has worked behind the scenes in all this. Not only do they work closely with Maysan officials to create and strengthen transparent and accountable government institutions, but they also advise Iraqis on promoting development in the political and economic areas, and work to help improve essential services. [Continue reading.

If this doesn't show success, I don't know what will.

Dhi Qar PRT successes showing through.

Security authority for Dhi Qar has been under Provincial Iraqi Control for almost six months now, and many successes in the province are starting to show through.

The Iraqis who live in Dhi Qar province are now finding opportunities they never had under Saddam. The Provincial Reconstruction Team, which was set up last year, has been acting as advisers to the Iraqis, helping them determine which steps will best suit them to get Iraq to stand up on its own. To accomplish that goal, the PRT has been working with many different groups in the area, from U.S. and Coalition military to foreign civilian and Iraqi nationals. [Continue reading.]

This province has been in control of themselves ever since July 2006! Wait a minute. I thought they were not standing up? Yeah, maybe those 'reporters' ought to go out there and REPORT!

Muthanna PRT under Iraqi control.

...Muthanna became the first Iraqi province to take the lead on governing its own province. This step allowed the provincial police and Iraqi Army to be the first responders’ to any crisis in the province. However, the PRT still helps the government in taking further steps to helping its people. [Continue reading.]

Please keep your prayers and hopes coming for our three missing men in Iraq. They are still alive, and we must find them. Thank you.

Rule of Law to Reign Supreme for Victory in Iraq

There is a fabulous article about the path to victory that I believe everyone should read. There are three positions of contention that need to be given special attention to if we desire to see Iraq survive as a civillized nation.

The first is the judical system. When Saddam was in charge, everyone knew the verdict before they went before the court. That is no longer the case. Now when people go to court, the rule of law shall be applied fairly to each person, no matter their standing.

Secondly, the prisons need to be integrated into a place where there is no torture, no abuse, etc. These places shall be integral in the success for a trusted judical system.

Thirdly, the police need to make the Iraqi people feel as though they can trust these guys. They used to be feared, so it will take some time and effort to have this come about. These are the three legs upon which victory actually stands.

Does the military play a part? Definitely! We must keep Iraq as stable as possible for the Iraqi people to start trusting their own police and judicial system again, if not for the first time. How long will this take? I do not know. Why don't you tell me when we leave Germany, Japan, South Korea, Bosnia and Kosovo...

If the link above no longer works, try this one.

Source: CENTCOM News Feed. If you wish to have this feed, just e-mail me. I will help you to get it. Have a great day.