header-logo header-logo

Not so sacred cows?

15 November 2007 / Amir A Majid
Issue: 7297 / Categories: Features , Human rights
printer mail-detail

The Bush administration has tested the loyalty of the true friends of the US, says Dr Amir Majid

I f one lines up American sacred cows, respect for the peace-promoting UN, habeas corpus and adherence to the rule of law are bound to front this queue. Unfortunately, to the utter dismay of friends of the US, these three sacred cows have been slaughtered by President Bush and his advisers. The Bush administration has tarnished the American image, violating ideals and leaving many Americans embarrassed to claim that they are the citizens of the land of freedom and liberty.

MARGINALISATION OF THE UN

It is a principle aim of the UN to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”. Before military action against Iraq began in 2003, the Bush administration was asking the UN to hurry up and authorise it and its partners to attack Iraq—an anomalous fidelity to the UN key objective.
When France threatened to veto this “authorisation” because she was genuinely not convinced that war was the only option, the

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Serious injury teambolstered by high-profile partner hire

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Firm strengthens employment team with partner hire

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

Lawyers’ liability practice strengthened with partner appointment in London

NEWS
Ceri Morgan, knowledge counsel at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, analyses the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Johnson v FirstRand Bank Ltd, which reshapes the law of fiduciary relationships and common law bribery
The boundaries of media access in family law are scrutinised by Nicholas Dobson in NLJ this week
Reflecting on personal experience, Professor Graham Zellick KC, Senior Master of the Bench and former Reader of the Middle Temple, questions the unchecked power of parliamentary privilege
Geoff Dover, managing director at Heirloom Fair Legal, sets out a blueprint for ethical litigation funding in the wake of high-profile law firm collapses
James Grice, head of innovation and AI at Lawfront, explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the legal sector
back-to-top-scroll