Amnesty International: No Need for Sanctions Against Taliban War Crimes

I’m not happy with Amnesty’s latest statement on two separate attacks:

“As uncertainty surrounds the outcome of presidential elections in Afghanistan, civilians are at greater danger than at any time since the fall of the Taleban, Amnesty International warned today following a series of attacks on civilians by anti-government groups in Kandahar and today’s attack on a hospital clinic by a NATO helicopter…. “

My comments, in no particular order:

1)  I’m guessing whoever caused five car bombs to go off at the same time in Kandahar City didn’t clear the area of civilians before the blast – in fact, around 40 CIVILIANS were killed.  In the Paktika incident, the bad guys were SHOOTING AT SOLDIERS FROM OR INSIDE THE CLINIC, and the building was cleared of civilians BEFORE being shot at by the gunship.

2)  This from the Amnesty rep:

“If the Taleban used the clinic as a shelter to fire from, they’ve committed a serious violation …. But if they were using the clinic for health care, NATO forces had no business firing on the clinic, even if they had cleared out civilians from the facility …. Whether the Taleban or NATO or both have violated the laws of war, it is Afghan civilians who pay the price.”

What should happen to NATO?

“Amnesty International is calling on NATO forces in Afghanistan to launch an immediate investigation into the attack on the hospital clinic in Paktika province ….”

And what does Amnesty’s latest statement say should happen to the Taliban?

So, Amnesty International is saying:

1)  Even if Western forces do everything right, they shouldn’t be able to fire on ANY buildings housing only bad guys.

2)  The Taliban can be as evil and illegal as they want (even commandeering clinics by armed force to gain treatment for their troops), but there’s no need to call for ANY investigations of or sanctions for their behaviour.  For example, I’m still waiting for Amnesty’s call for action following the Taliban shooting at a clearly-marked NATO medical transport in July.

One side must look into any seizure of medical facilities from enemy hands, while the other side doesn’t need to worry about it.

Short and sweet:  Amnesty International, through this statement, is siding with and helping NATO’s enemies in Afghanistan.

UPDATE (1):  Fair is fair – Amnesty International has come out against the Taliban following an attack in Kabul that targetted UN staff.