However, we know from earlier stories in the Guardian and elsewhere, that we do actually have bilateral agreements on covert operations, such as the one that took out Bin Ladin, for over decade now.
The use of this sort of images for public consumption by a state who is a signatory to the Geneva Conventions is a violation of international law.
That the Bush administration violated this when they provided the photos of Saddam Hussein's killed sons, is simply another in a list of violations of international law his administration committed.
SR. DEFENSE OFFICIAL: The justification for burial at sea is when there is no land alternative. And as -- according to Islamic teachings and practice, deceased must be buried with proper procedures within 24 hours. And that was the basis for that decision.
Q: Why was that -- (off mic) -- following exactly? Did you not want him to become -- did you -- obviously, one fear must have been that wherever he was buried would become a place that would attract militants or some other concern.
SR. DEFENSE OFFICIAL: There was no available alternative in terms of a country that was willing to accept the body, and we took pains to ensure that we were compliant with Muslim tradition and law, and sought to dispose of the body, using the appropriate procedures and rituals, within 24 hours.
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However, we know from earlier stories in the Guardian and elsewhere, that we do actually have bilateral agreements on covert operations, such as the one that took out Bin Ladin, for over decade now.
The use of this sort of images for public consumption by a state who is a signatory to the Geneva Conventions is a violation of international law.
That the Bush administration violated this when they provided the photos of Saddam Hussein's killed sons, is simply another in a list of violations of international law his administration committed.
From the DoD press conference earlier today:
SR. DEFENSE OFFICIAL: The justification for burial at sea is when there is no land alternative. And as -- according to Islamic teachings and practice, deceased must be buried with proper procedures within 24 hours. And that was the basis for that decision.
Q: Why was that -- (off mic) -- following exactly? Did you not want him to become -- did you -- obviously, one fear must have been that wherever he was buried would become a place that would attract militants or some other concern.
SR. DEFENSE OFFICIAL: There was no available alternative in terms of a country that was willing to accept the body, and we took pains to ensure that we were compliant with Muslim tradition and law, and sought to dispose of the body, using the appropriate procedures and rituals, within 24 hours.
Seconded.