Couple of points, NIMN
1) The Belgian government is now regretting the fact that it allowed the law permitting charges of war crimes against any citizen of the world to be levelled in its courts. Why? Well...
2) Said government is now having serious brown trouser moments on the grounds that the Americans are suggesting that if it is impossible for certain US military and political leaders to enter Belgium, then questions have to be asked as to whether having gallant little Belgium in the club is still a viable proposition....
3) ... and since Mr Blair, Mr Aznar and others might be next, they may find that the European parliament becomes a no-go area for heads of government meetings, and that it all has to move to Strasbourg.
4) And finally, you'll note that the charges were brought by Iraqi citizens. The Belgians are now getting very nervous that they might find that, say, a Brit levels charges against Bob Mugabe or that an Israeli levels charges against Yassir Arafat. Or how about some other real crackers - Suharto, Idi Amin, Gadaffi. Or, to conclude, how about Mandela, President N? Don't scoff, NIMN before having a quick thought about someone having a pop at him for SADF intervention in Lesotho, where:
'In a number of incidents foreign troops used excessive force, amounting to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, against civilians ... unconfirmed reports that South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers have raped women near the Makoanyane Barracks. Such action by the intervening forces is a serious violation of international human rights and humanitarian law'
Would you approve of that prosecution as well, NIMN, or would you have doubts about Nelson Mandela being up before the beak? And if yes, what's the difference, please?