Tonight I read this: UK wanted US to rule out Bin Laden torture
MI6 believed it was close to finding the al-Qaida leader in Afghanistan in 1998, and again the next year. The plan was for MI6 to hand the CIA vital information about Bin Laden. Ministers including Robin Cook, the then foreign secretary, gave their approval on condition that the CIA gave assurances he would be treated humanely. (Emphasis mine)The US never gave that assurance.
Right now, this example of British sensibilities and reverence regarding human dignity is a shining light on the principles that maintain human rights. The British were willing to fail at achieving a desired goal if it meant crossing ethical boundaries, even when it came to Bin Laden.
The shame of it is that United States was once a beacon of similar but superior light shining on Britain.
In many ways both countries have lost much of their legacy when it comes to individual rights and human freedom, making this story a welcome change to the usual run of world news.
We aren't the good guys when we break certain rules. Period.
Total respec'.
1 comment:
Yes, sometimes even those who work to perpetuate the state have ethics. Remember when doing the job of MI5 and 6 was a calling, not just a job or a career?
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