Assassination: a pandoras box?

[Wutang]

I just saw an interesting ABC Nightline show last night discussing the topic of assassination which was banned by the US govt in 1976 under Pres Ford.

While I have no problem in targetting Osama Bin Landen (since his organzation is aimed at the destruction of the US and it's entire population so you really can't negotiate on that stance), I am wary about targetting heads of state which is what the US govt is publically hinting at with Saddam.

The CIA had it's hands dirty with tons of assassinations/coups in the past in several different countries so it shouldn't a big shock to the world about this fact.

My main question is that if war breaks out...is Saddam a legitimate target? he is a general and in uniform in the military.

I personally would like to see Saddam captured and tried in a world court but he'd probably go down in a blaze of glory in his bunker.

Course if an assassination attempt is made on Bush and linked to Saddam, then that changes things drastically.

[ 02-26-2003, 03:45 PM: Message edited by: Wutang ]

[Ronn_Bman]

An armed man in combat is always a valid target.

I'm not sure how an Iraqi attempt on Bush '43 would change things, since Saddam already tried to orchestrate an assassination attempt on Bush '41.

[Timber Loftis]

I don't think you'll ever see Saddam armed in combat - or Bush.

But, the Vienna Conventions speak to this - it's not just that Ford Presidential Order you've got to look at.

If he catches a bullet in the head and no one is caught it's not an issue. Same with the random accidental missile hitting his car/plane/helicopter.

This is why I think it should be our *official* policy not to assasinate. Never. Ever. But, if it happens, so be it. Bush made a mistake in discussing it with a congressman. There is a reason it's called COVERT Ops.

Now, the fact that the USA has a horrible track record for botched assassinations makes me squemish in thinking the USA might try it again. I don't mind if we do it - just if we get caught.

[Ar-Cunin]

If USA reserves the right to assasinate world leaders (in this case Saddamn) doesn't this mean that forign contries have the right to try and assasinate GWB - he is the Commander in Chief after all.

EDIT: can someone explain the Bush '43 and Bush '41 to me?

[ 02-26-2003, 04:25 PM: Message edited by: Ar-Cunin ]

[skywalker]

Originally posted by Ar-Cunin: If USA reserves the right to assasinate world leaders (in this case Saddamn) doesn't this mean that forign contries have the right to try and assasinate GWB - he is the Commander in Chief after all. EDIT: can someone explain the Bush '43 and Bush '41 to me?

Bush 41 is Papa.
Bush 43 is Son.

It refers to President number, IE George Washington is #1.

Mark

[Ronn_Bman]

As skywalker said Bush '41 is George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of the US serving from 1989 to 1993.

The current Bush, George W., is the 43rd US President serving since 2001 (and through 2009 ) hence the Bush '43.

[ 02-26-2003, 04:41 PM: Message edited by: Ronn_Bman ]

[Ronn_Bman]

Timber, would standing on a balcony firing a weapon into the air count?

[Timber Loftis]

Originally posted by Ronn_Bman: Timber, would standing on a balcony firing a weapon into the air count?

Yeah, but he makes his doubles do that stuff. It's a perfect time to get him, though. We should start shooting his doubles when they appear to do that PR stuff just to let him know we're serious.

Honestly, with every shot, I kept thinking "that's gotta come down *somewhere*."

[skywalker]

Originally posted by Ronn_Bman: As skywalker said Bush '41 is George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of the US serving from 1989 to 1993. The current Bush, George W., is the 43rd US President serving since 2001 (and through 2009 ) hence the Bush '43.

2009? We'll see!

Mark

[Ronn_Bman]

LOL @ Mark!

I thought you'd like that. [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]