Red Cross hits out at Iraq abuses

[cal04]

The International Committee of the Red Cross has condemned what it calls the "utter contempt for humanity" shown by all sides in the fighting in Iraq. In an unusually critical statement from its headquarters in Iraq, the ICRC said the conflict was having a devastating impact on the people in Iraq.

It urged all warring parties to comply with international humanitarian law and let aid workers carry out their duties. One of the last aid agencies in Iraq, World Vision, has said it is leaving. The ICRC pointed out that its statement came in the week that hostage-takers reportedly killed humanitarian worker Margaret Hassan, and US troops allegedly shot dead a wounded fighter.

"As hostilities continue in Falluja and elsewhere, every day seems to bring news of yet another act of utter contempt for the most basic tenet of humanity," said Pierre Kraehenbuhl, the ICRC's director of operations.

"Like any other armed conflict, this one is subject to limits, and they must be respected at all times," he added. The Red Cross has issued a statement in which it can barely hide its anger, says the BBC's Imogen Foulkes in Geneva.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4027163.stm

[ogradda]

1. good i hope they back it up

this entire situation is utter horseshit.

[alittlelark]

2. At least this group is respected in the US

....maybe not anymore?

[0007]

6. As soon as the Red Cross mentions Abu Ghraib and the

atrocities that the U.S. committed. The U.S. will trash em like junior did McCain.

[nine23]

3. "utter contempt for humanity"

Says it all, doesn't it?

[KingChicken]

4. I think i've said that exact phrase a few times, it's sure looking like it

Total disregard for human life, this makes sick to think how much Americans value their lives, investing in all kinds of crap just so they can suck a few more years out of their own mortality.

In this country we try so hard to preserve life, even for people on their death bed, yet we allow this wasting of life to continue in Iraq. The treatment of Iraqi civilians reminds of those horrible stories where pregnant mothers throw their babies in the trash can, both situations give you the feeling that life to some people is worthless.

How about we go through all kinds of expense to setup elaborate memorial services for all the dead Iraqi civilians, year after year, like we are doing for the 9-11 victims, or is it because they are Iraqi they are worth less in death too?

[fedsron2us]

5. "Utter contempt for the most basic tenet of humanity"

Yes that just about sums up what is going on Iraq.

[saigon68]

7. Wait don't blame those kids

They enlisted for adventure- and a chance to quit working the drive through. - now they are under pressure and didn't mean to grease that old lady and her 5 year old grandaughter. This is war. </sarcasm>

Where the Fuck are the lifer OFFICERS AND NCO's ????????????????????

Oh I remember they encourage this behavior "KILL SATAN----- CLEAN OUT THE RATS NEST.