Red Crossing The Line

Nobody doesn’t like the Red Cross. It goes where others fear to tread and ministers to those in need. Politics and affiliations notwithstanding. It’s about humanity. They’ve been treating war-wounded for more than 150 years. Who doesn’t get that?

Having said that, a case can be made for an exception. The International Red Cross’ neutrality policy continues to justify its practice of giving first aid training and kits to Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. Arguably, neutrality is not the appropriate response to those who would strategically target innocents, regardless of age or gender.

The Red Cross does, however, make a concession of sorts. Part of its three-day first-aid courses includes opportunities to show participants the need to abide by the Geneva Conventions. The conduct-of-war rules that the Taliban violate with impunity.

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