Reference News Network, March 17 report: The UK's Guardian website published an editorial titled "On the Iran War and International Law: This Is More Serious Than Being Wrong, It's a Crime" on March 13. Excerpts of the article are as follows:

The outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 triggered loud and clear waves of condemnation across Europe and other parts of the world.

However, since the US and Israel launched a war against Iran, these countries have been unusually silent. Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez was one of the few who openly condemned it, although countries such as Norway also pointed out that this action violated international law. At the same time, Australian Prime Minister Albanese expressed unconditional support, while German Chancellor Merkel said, "This is not the time to teach our partners and allies."

The "original sin" of this war quickly escalated: more than a thousand civilians were killed in Iran alone, including an attack on a school that killed over 170 people, most of whom were children, and evidence points to the US being responsible. Acts that seriously violate the laws of war, whether reckless or intentional, constitute war crimes. US Defense Secretary Austin stated on the 13th that "we show no mercy to enemies," a statement that also violates international humanitarian law. Israel's strikes on Lebanon in retaliation for Hezbollah's support of Iran, which are at least excessive use of force, have been pointed out by the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, due to the large-scale displacement of civilians and destruction of infrastructure caused by the operation.

The strong contrast between the West's advocacy of "universal standards" and its "selective anger" is increasingly exposed before the global public. People have noticed that the full support for Ukraine and the indifference towards the genocide in Gaza form a cruel contrast. Some people's lives seem to be more valuable than others. When the Trump administration struck suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and forcibly controlled Venezuelan President Maduro, allies remained silent. Each time such an incident occurs, the credibility of international law as a basic framework for behavior is weakened, and further tolerance for illegal acts is gained.

Behind the double standard are dissatisfaction with the governments of Venezuela and Iran, fear of offending the US president, and prioritizing the needs of Ukraine. However, some countries have echoed the US's argument. Yet, after the outbreak of the Iran war, Chancellor Merkel asked, "When international law is clearly pushed to its limits, what should we do?"

As Dr. Tamer Morsy of Sydney University said: "The purpose of international law is not to judge who is morally superior, but to maintain order in a world where every country believes it is fighting a 'just war.'" As the impact of this war becomes clearer, the voices of criticism from Merkel and others are growing stronger. However, questioning this war should not be based solely on pragmatic considerations, let alone solely on moral standards. Maintaining international law is indeed difficult, and its scope of application has limitations, but none of this should be an excuse for abandoning it. If those who lament the decline of the "rules-based international order" continue to remain silent about the erosion of international law, the situation for all of us will become even more dangerous. (Translated by Zhu Li)

Original: toutiao.com/article/7618118520022499892/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.