American Politics Journal

We Get Letters!

May 7, 2002

In the midst of the most extensive manhunt in history, the Bush Administration has pulled out of the treaty for the establishment of the International Criminal Court. The ICC, which will prosecute war crimes, genocide, and crime against humanity, could be a potent weapon in the War on Terrorism. Even without the US' participation, it's a major step towards ensuring that humanity's most egregious criminals will be brought to justice.

The United States is turning its back on millions of victims of genocide, torture, terrorism, and other crimes against humanity. The ICC will begin to prosecute humanity's worst criminals in July with or without the US. But the unsigning signals a basic disregard for the principles of international justice that could undermine both the current War on Terrorism and future international frameworks. In the wake of September's terrorist attacks, the United States can best demonstrate its commitment to fighting such atrocities by supporting the international structures of justice.

In his State of the Union address, President Bush said, "America will lead by defending liberty and justice because they are right and true and unchanging for all people everywhere." But by unsigning the treaty, the President has signaled that his commitment to universal justice is wavering. For a successful and just War on Terrorism, the US must support the International Criminal Court.

In unsigning the treaty for the establishment of the International Criminal Court, the Bush administration is setting a dangerous precedent for the future of multilateral agreements. The President's own coalition against terrorism relies heavily on international cooperation and mutual trust between nations. How can we expect consistency and fidelity from our allies, if we aren't accountable ourselves? According to the UN Under-Secretary for Legal Affairs no one in the world has ever "unsigned" a UN treaty: we can make history again by putting our name back on.

Sincerely,

Majid Maleki