Learn from the mistakes of others

actually, the mda is in the process of becoming a full member of the icrc. as is the palestinian organisation. amongst other recent events, the red cross has adopted a third sysbol, a red diamond [they call it a red crystal O_o], to enable organisations that do not like the cross or the cresent to have an alternative.

any and every organisation is political. it is unavoidable. they're comprised of people. nothing is perfect.

the report is important because customary international law applies to all nations, regardless of their politics. and as a lawyer with some specific expertise in the area of armed conflict law, i'm curious about what the red cross considers to be customary law in this area. to see what, by actual usage, just might be realistic to expect nations to follow.

the mda and the palestinian bodies inclusion amongst the membership of the icrc is not simply a one way matter. membership is subject to rules like any other organisation - which may not suit every potential applicant. membership, or otherwise, is just as political as any other matter in the international arena. there are people on both sides of every conflict. and often more than a few playing games in the middle.

unless and until i get a chance to actually see the report, i'm holding off on judgement of its contents.