Quote Originally Posted by Rex Brynen View Post
Yes, I think we're getting a bit hung up on the "war crimes" issue (and we haven't even started into the "breach" versus "grave breach" of the Geneva Conventions aspect)... the bottom line is that misuse of the red cross is explicitly prohibited under Article 44 of the First Geneva Convention (1949).

And yes, misuse does occur.. the Israelis have been known to commandeer Palestinian ambulances to make arrests, and the Palestinians have been known to use them to transport wanted individuals or weapons. I can't think of a case there, however, where anyone has misused the ICRC symbol though (as opposed to a generic red cross).
Agreed but with a difference. What is important to consider is the secondary and tertiary effects of misuse in arenas such as Colombia, Congo, or elsewhere the effective rule of law is already in dispute. Again I am tickled pink they got the hostages out; using the ICRC emblem was maladroit at best and may cost others their lives in the future.

Tom