Posted on Jan 8, 2016
Can non-lethal items such as food be the center of gravity in a conflict?
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A Center of Gravity (COG) is the true strength or power of an organization. The Syrian government is using food or lack of food to starve or negotiate with rebel groups. Food is now a pivotal COG.
Posted in these groups: 
Conflict
Conflict
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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Denying basic services (food, water, medical attention, etc) to a civilian population under your jurisdiction is also a violation of the International Law of Armed Conflict, referable to the Hague International Crimes Court for prosecution.
Add that to the list of reasons Assad must go.
Add that to the list of reasons Assad must go.
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1SG (Join to see)
MAJ Ken Landgren - I don't care. The real culprits are right in front of them in the form of the evil cells of rebels and the regime in Damascus. They'll get theirs - I am sure of it.
Of course the regime will blame others for what they fail to do or do on purpose. Despots (and politicians) have done that since time began.
Of course the regime will blame others for what they fail to do or do on purpose. Despots (and politicians) have done that since time began.
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Capt Mark Strobl
1SG (Join to see) - Now, I'm asking this out of ignorance here... But... If those parties are not affiliated with a UN-recognized governments, would they be subject to the International Law of Armed Conflict? Hard to follow the law --especially if one either refuses, or outright fails, to merely acknowledge the law. Struggling here to separate the law from the law-of-the-land. Just trying to advance the conversation.
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1SG (Join to see)
Capt Mark Strobl - Yes they can, sir. Generally the Hague Conventions (which neither the United States nor Syria is a signatory to, but nearly every nation is) apply to the conduct of Nation States, but has been applied to partisan and irregular forces several times. Ignorance of the law doesn't get you off the hook.
Since Syria is not a signatory nation (I looked), it would take his being arrested by a country that was a signatory nation - France being the most likely - and extraditing Assad and/ or others to the Hague for trial.
Good question, sir.
I am hardly an international lawyer, but I think it is possible, yes.
Since Syria is not a signatory nation (I looked), it would take his being arrested by a country that was a signatory nation - France being the most likely - and extraditing Assad and/ or others to the Hague for trial.
Good question, sir.
I am hardly an international lawyer, but I think it is possible, yes.
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Giving credence to the ol' phrase, "An Army runs on its stomach." Seems like a great tactic: Taking their food away. The corollary: "Grab 'em by the ****s and their hearts & minds will follow."
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Like anything else it can be used as a tool. Sad but True. Horrible to see it in action.
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