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The DART Team ...

Contributor: cfallon

Date: 2003-04-21 10:24:40

I hope our ministers are not listening to you.

Only because I worry about the "Alice in Wonderland" type world we are creating where there are "laws" that must be obeyed even if they make no sense and create more death than justice.

But, again, I understand your point and it is worth keeping in mind. Afterall, while I certainly don't want a straightjacket of international law that keeps evil regimes functioning.

the regimes rely on international aid money to keep up their lavish lifestyles while their citizens are STARVING.

NORTH KOREA SPENDS 30% of its GDP on its MILITARY while North Koreans STARVE!!!

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The DART Team ...

Contributor: codc01

Date: 2003-04-21 12:21:04

So you want us to violate not only international laws but our own laws? Interesting.

There is currently NO government in Iraq, the DART can only be deployed in countries where the government approves of their help... When Mr. Garner or whoever it will bw will have formed a government, then thats another matter..

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The DART Team ...

Contributor: Barretm82

Date: 2003-04-21 14:00:18

..."So you want us to violate not only international laws but our own laws? Interesting."...

Well, the U.S. has members of Saddam's party in prison; perhaps you could get their permission? It would be legal right?

(Perhaps make it part of a plea bargain maybe?) ;) /Just joking codc01/

However, I do have two questions for you codc01 to consider.

A. If permission was given by Saddam's people who are in U.S. custody would it be legal?

B. Would it make Canada the laughing stock of the world?

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The DART Team ...

Contributor: codc01

Date: 2003-04-21 14:34:33

"...party in prison; perhaps you could get their permission? It would be legal right? ..."

I don't think so, there is currently no longer any Iraqi government... But if westrictly think about international law, i have no idea? Is there any precedent in this case?

"If permission was given by Saddam's people who are in U.S. custody would it be legal? "

Nope, don't think so either.

"Would it make Canada the laughing stock of the world? "

Of course!

If Jay Garner creates an interim government, his team will be the official government, and then i would not see any problem with this... But at the current state of affairs, there is still not any form of government. I'm not saying no to DART, I'm saying no to the DART deployment as long as there is no government!

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The DART Team ...

Contributor: jwitt

Date: 2003-04-21 17:21:54

DART (disaster assistance response team) is a non traditional unit created specifically for the purpose of humanitarian relief. I think it has about 200 or so personel including doctors and engineers. I really can't imagine why you would object to sending it to Iraq as the conditions there very clearly suggest humanitarian relief is required. Referrng to humanitarian assistance as "illegal " makes no sense to me. Are you sure you understand what DARTS function is???

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The DART Team ...

Contributor: Fleabag

Date: 2003-04-21 20:10:31

I am personally unfamiliar with the exact nature of the DART, however, some soveriegn nations can, and have, refused access rights to almost every humanitarian group you could name. Take Israel, for example, the time they refused abulance access to a UNESCOM worker whom the IDF shot in a refugee camp. The UN and the Red Cross can also be denied access, and their only recourse is harsh words.

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The DART Team ...

Contributor: codc01

Date: 2003-04-22 07:01:26

I read the national post's brief, and it was complete, and it clearly indicated that the regulations of the DART stated that there must be official approval by the governement of the country where they will be going...

Who can approve now? The US government? Garner himself? Chalabi? The Self-proclaimed mayor of Baghdad?

This may be solved reapidly if Garner forms an interim government, but in the meanwhile, i'd wait before sending the DART and go through CDIA...

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The DART Team ...

Contributor: fatmomma

Date: 2003-04-22 08:18:27

Probably because their safety must be assured. This is not a military team. If the American coalition would allow the UN to direct the rebuilding and humanitarian relief everything could happen much faster and safely.
The dart team is more for natural disasters or more secured sites. I believed they are more trained for earthquakes or other collapsed buildings.

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The DART Team ...

Contributor: cfallon

Date: 2003-04-22 09:36:16

Okay! Okay! You win. I understand your point and would respect our own laws. I am still very worried about the so-called "international laws" - I'll wait for the Ally McBeal episode to explain it all to me.

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