CRIMINALISING WAR: Intense diplomacy a step in right direction
SOME readers have written in expressing opinions that we may not be able to do away with wars. If so, it may be worthwhile to make wars less horrible.
The Geneva Convention exists for this reason and many countries adhere to its principles to some extent. Perhaps more intense diplomatic efforts could make it universally-binding.
Perhaps international agreements could also limit the use of more destructive weapons. For example, nuclear weapons should be used as an absolutely last resort and only with the permission of the United Nations and the UN Atomic Energy Commission.
So-called rogue nations with nuclear weapons could perhaps be reined in by making clear the dire consequences to them if nuclear weapons are used.
After all, for decades, the nuclear bomb has been an effective deterrent against itself.
A British military surgeon serving in the Falklands War said war injuries were often more tragic than deaths. Attempts to reduce the severity of injuries should be in order.
As it is, most belligerents have avoided the use of bullets which cause terrible wounds. Similar consideration should perhaps be given to other weapons such as land mines.
Governments should not place military installations near populated areas to avoid high collateral damage.
As for terrorists, many are apparently religious fanatics. Maybe religion could be used to restrain them. Moderate Muslims, for example, could remind Muslim terrorists that the Prophet Muhammad forbade harming civilians, maltreating prisoners of war and mutilating dead enemies.
Some of these suggestions may be naive, but the point is to begin undertaking efforts to make wars more humane.
Wan Abu Bakar Wan Teh Ibrahim, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
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