Interesting comment. I’m curious on your thoughts on this: In terms of the Special Court, the Sierra Leonean government approached the United Nations initially to create a court that would help prosecute the key leaders of the war who were suspected of committing international crimes. Similarly, the Liberian TRC recommended the creation of a similar hybrid court for Liberia, though we are yet to see whether this court will come to fruition. Do you agree with this idea of combining international and national laws, staff and judges in these types of hybrid courts to try to combat international crimes?

Best,
Tracey

And you are completely right about these trials taking a long time — I think the Slobodan Milosevic trial lasted about four years before Mr. Milosevic died and before a judgement was handed down. So this one of Mr. Taylor is comparatively quick, but even still, it is a long time for people wanting to follow it, especially from so far away.

Best,
Tracey

I SUPPORT THIS IDEA BIG TIME. IF THERE IS ANY WAY THAT I CAN HELP, PLEASE, BY ALL MEANS, TELL/ASK ME.

As always, excellent points. Something happening here Helen to me. When I read Tracey respond to you, I was touched. She sounded like she wants people to give their take on what you wrote. She also sounded to me a little bit surprised. However, we have a responsibility here too Helen. Lets help these westerns also by telling them what you said. we should NOT assume that they know everything and they are just plain wicked. Apparently, they honestly don’t know. Maybe that way, they might take a step back and listen to both sides. But again, guys like David Crane, Alan White, and ect are making it harder for us too.

I share similar view Helen. However, the idea of the West interpretation and dispensition of justice is a pretty good idea. But, this good idea was led by a process. It did not just conclude to this point. The West gradually graduated through this process to where they are today. I am pretty sure you must have heard of the American, French, Russian and even your own country Australia Revolution. Terrible things happened throughout those revolutions. There is nothing despicable that we have heard in this trial that did not occur in the West. However, you guys learned over time and now can boast of civilization. Conversely, Africa is not developed up to the standards of the West. The Africans are rich with natural resources, but at the same time, the poorest. Most of us are not educated. Most of us are illiterate. Our countries are not developed. How can you bring this standard of measurement on us? Your standard should be different from our standard. Tracey, Had not it being for America, I will not be who you know me to be(intellectual). Just imagine, my mother does not speak English. She doesn’t know how to read and write. She has her own way of settling dispute based on their tradition. How can you bring this “BIG ENCYCLOPEDIA AND LAW BOOK IN FRONT OF HER AND SAY I AM JUDGING YOU?

TRACEY, IN SHORT, YOUR HELP US TO REACH UP TO YOUR LEVEL. BUT WE ARE NOT THERE YET.