Von Belinda Cooper
Though international justice is too new for definite conclusions, leaders and foot soldiers are starting to be concerned about international courts. Human Rights Watch has reported that an Afghan warlord specifically warned his troops against committing war crimes because of the danger of international prosecution. The trial of a Congolese rebel leader accused of recruiting child soldiers has reportedly affected the behavior of local fighters. Even the indignant response to Bashir’s indictment among some African and Arab League leaders suggests they take the ICC’s actions seriously. The more consistently international prosecutions happen, the more meaningful their deterrence effect is likely to become. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/04/AR2009120402609.html?wprss=rss_print/outlook