The reported decision of President Bush to deny Israel鈥檚 request for assistance in bombing Iranian nuclear facilities was helpful not only to the stability of the Middle Eastern region, but also to the maintenance of international law, according to Mary Ellen O鈥機onnell, Robert and Marion Short Professor of Law in the University of Notre Dame Law 91视频.
The New York Times reported on Jan. 10 that President Bush had denied a secret request by Israel last year for specialized bombs to be used for an attack on Iran鈥檚 main nuclear complex.
鈥淭he reports say the president acted out of concern that bombing would further destabilize the Middle East,鈥漁鈥機onnell said."It is important to note that such bombing would also violate international law.The U.S. issue with Iran is over violating the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
鈥淲e have been telling Iran it has serious obligations under international law.But there is no obligation more serious than the prohibition on the use of force.Supporting that obligation is the surest way to a more stable Middle East.The president acted wisely,鈥漵he concluded.
O鈥機onnell, author of"The Power and Purpose of International Law,"has written and lectured on international legal regulation of the use of force and conflict and dispute resolution, especially peaceful resolution of disputes prior to an escalation to armed conflict. Particularly interested in the possibility of a classical revival in international law, she has been active in the American Society of International Law, the International Institute for Humanitarian Law, the International Law Association, and the Council on Foreign Relations.
_ Contact: Professor O鈥機onnell at 574-631-7953 or_ " MaryEllenOConnell@nd.edu ":mailto:MaryEllenOConnell@nd.edu
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