| One of the more sticky issues of the war is whether or not a peace deal should include an amnesty for war crimes or crimes against humanity.
I am of the opinion that too much has gone on in Iraq. It would be impossible to prosecute all the crimes that have happened there. Moreover, much of it was coerced from the top down, so not everyone who may have committed a crime would be morally responsible.
Obviously there will have to be some form of amnesty if there is going to be a peace. So it isn't a question of "if" but rather "to what degree?"
I'm going to suggest as a starting point for amnesty:
--Below cabinet level for civilians
--Below Colonel for military.
I'd also suggest a time limit for prosecution. It isn't good to let these things fester. It only re-opens old wounds. Say five years from the day the deal is signed.
One additional condition I would suggest is that in order for someone to receive this blanket amnesty, they would have to give an honest and complete account of those crimes for the record. This would be the only way answer many unanswered questions.
Also, a criminal amnesty does not immunize from civil liablity. So while this person can be protected from going to jail by confessing one's sins, they might have to pay. |
