Human Shields and Choice

[Chaerophon]

I respect their right to drum up support for peace even at such risk, but if they die the responsibility will be entirely their own.

Absolutely, but you have to commend them on their dedication to their cause. If others choose to take their example and more people flock to Baghdad, particularly those from Europe, it could create a somewhat more sticky situation, don't you think? Like it or not, I would have to think that western nations would be more hesitant to bomb several thousand of their own citizens than they are the citizens of Iraq, particularly given the recent protests in Europe and elsewhere. I don't think that they will be able to completely deter an attack, but if protesters such as these were killed in any sort of numbers, I would think that it would be, whether justifiably so or not, an absolute public relations nightmare for the Bush administration. As soon as a human face is put on war, it always becomes much less popular... if that human, civilian, face has family back home... Of course, even given their evident bravery, I would doubt if many of them are out for martyrdom.

Edit: damnit! wrong post, sorry guys, response to Nystul.