No law in war or international relations

Robert F. Turner’s letter criticizing Jonathan Turley’s Outlook commentary, “Ten Reasons we’re no longer the land of the free” had three glaring errors himself.
First, there is no “law of war”. War by its very definition is chaos. While it is hoped that combatants will abide by certain moral standards on the battlefield there is no enforcement of laws there. And when the war is over it is the law of the victor that is enforced. And that law determined by those in power may not be democratic or moral.
Second, “International law” is neither globally applied or law. Non national entities like corporations, organizations, religions or ethnic groups with no nationality have little legal recourse on or off the battle field. And nations have no entity where law enforcement can be expected, fair and consistent. Law simply doesn’t exist on the global level where enforcement isn’t possible without a global police force.
Last, civilized societies wouldn’t have “SWAT Teams”. They would know that killing only begets more killing. The apprehension of suspects would be attempted at great risk to those trying, but the use of non-lethal force, would be their only civilized option.
As Mr. Turner should know, war can be used to justify everything and anything. Outlawing it is the only way to a peaceful, free, prosperous and civilized world.

Chuck Woolery