SAS on trial

[On Balance]

I agree that any historical events and behaviour can only be understood in the context of the time but still think that it is valid to question these from a modern perspective as to whether were think them right or wrong. The historical,/cultural contexts are then a kind of mitigating circumstance when making such judgements (and the benefit of hindsight also helps of course!��) For example, in the context of the time, and for certain people, the Atlantic Slave trade was seen as perfectly fine and whilst that helps us understand some of the reasons behind why it happened it surely doesn't mean that it is right? Shouldn't the point be that we should learn from the past in order to create better societies in the future? (Not that we seem very good at it ��)

Thank you for clarifying what I was trying to say. We should learn from past mistakes. Clearly, sadly we humans are not learning at all.

If you take the current war and the way Russia is targeting the civilian population and infrastructure, this goes against todays rules of war. Ukraine are acting in a very restrained response, partly, I guess, due to the agreement on what the western supplied weapons can be used for. Nonetheless restrained.

I doubt we will see many Russians facing the Court in The Hague. No one is going to go into Russia to get them and unless Russia has a complete overhaul of its politics, they are unlikely to send any of their murdering politicians and/or military personnel for trial.

Let’s hope the investigation into our SAS finds there is no evidence to show they acted unlawfully. If that’s not the case then must accept it and deal with it. Should we not do so, how can we condemn others for their war crimes.

[baggieal]

The enemy are the enemy! Take the Taliban they would have slit anyone’s throat given half a chance so in combat they should be eliminated. ISIS should have been eliminated too at the end but they were put in camps and many are so indoctrinated they will kill again. Why take the risk?

So with the Ukrainians where the Russians have bombed, executed and raped innocent civilians - would you blame any Ukrainians when capturing Russian soldiers to eliminate them? Not many would!

We are too nice which is why thousands and thousands come in dinghies! What next? Steak and chips? These old farts of Judges should retire gracefully!

[WBA1955]

The Baedeker raids of 1942 saw the Germans deliberately bomb Britain's cultural cities like Bath and Norwich, they even deliberately bombed a school full of children in Catsford killing many of them along with staff, the pilot actually waved to the kids before the attack. Coventry in 1940 was a beautiful midieval city with a beautiful cathedral, the Germans levelled it and coined a new word, Coventrate.
We have always been quick to blame ourselves and feel ashamed of our actions, but we didn't start the war or systematically murder millions of women and children. Britain has always been hated by the jealous people of the world, while Germany is now seen as a leading world nation and their past conveniently forgotten.
None of them hated Hitler when they were winning.
Operation Moonlight Sonata, the bombing of Coventry took 11 hours, Operation Thunderclap the bombing of Dresden took around 45 minutes.

[Dubbag]

"The Germans started this war .......

Only with the compliance of Stalin.
Always young men fighting old men's wars.....

[Leicesterbaggie]

I agree with most of the comments on this thread but what we mustn’t do is to keep apologising for past actions that were taken in a different era with different morals and what was acceptable in those times. As has been stated, we must learn from them and not repeat them.

[On Balance]

I agree with most of the comments on this thread but what we mustn’t do is to keep apologising for past actions that were taken in a different era with different morals and what was acceptable in those times. As has been stated, we must learn from them and not repeat them.

Precisely.

[westcountryvillain]

In the heat of the moment anything can happen, war isn't an ordinary situation and there are rules of engagement - the Taliban are medieval savages, ISIS the same, brainwashed power crazy lunatics. One situation being investigated is the killing in a house of the parents of infants who were also seriously wounded, we cannot be like them and sunlight is the best disinfectant - I hope they get a fair crack of the whip!

[baggieal]

In the heat of the moment anything can happen, war isn't an ordinary situation and there are rules of engagement - the Taliban are medieval savages, ISIS the same, brainwashed power crazy lunatics. One situation being investigated is the killing in a house of the parents of infants who were also seriously wounded, we cannot be like them and sunlight is the best disinfectant - I hope they get a fair crack of the whip!

Perhaps the crack of the whip should be a calculation of a bonus on the quantity of vermin eliminated! Too soft in every sense and no wonder why thousands of illegals keep arriving!