War crimes have nothing to do with honor, and everything to do with horror. It’s product of statecraft, not a code chivalry.
Also, white phosphorus is a legal illumination munition, but becomes illegal/warcrime when used as an incendiary device. It has nothing to with asphyxiation, or chemical warfare.
White phosphorus doesn’t result in asphyxiation. It does burn, which is the reason it’s mostly used in flares. But, when used as an incendiary, it’s quite bad.
white phosphorus can cause asphyxiation in enclosed places like bunkers and tunnels in two different ways. By consuming all the oxygen, or by inhalation of the smoke it gives off.
The smoke given off by WF is mostly Phosphorus pentoxide. It causes severe irritation and burns to eyes and the respiratory tract.
Using WF off-label as a tear gas dates back to 1916.
I think the idea is that countries have a better time getting their population to support a war of they have a chance of looking like the good guys. It also helps if every other country agrees to jump the guy doing the more evil shit.
The problem with the concept of “war crimes” is it implies honorable warfare exists.
Why don’t the Russians asphyxiate people the ethical way: with white phosphorus? Are they stupid?
War crimes have nothing to do with honor, and everything to do with horror. It’s product of statecraft, not a code chivalry.
Also, white phosphorus is a legal illumination munition, but becomes illegal/warcrime when used as an incendiary device. It has nothing to with asphyxiation, or chemical warfare.
White phosphorus doesn’t result in asphyxiation. It does burn, which is the reason it’s mostly used in flares. But, when used as an incendiary, it’s quite bad.
white phosphorus can cause asphyxiation in enclosed places like bunkers and tunnels in two different ways. By consuming all the oxygen, or by inhalation of the smoke it gives off.
The smoke given off by WF is mostly Phosphorus pentoxide. It causes severe irritation and burns to eyes and the respiratory tract.
Using WF off-label as a tear gas dates back to 1916.
Well, yes, but any fire can.
I think the idea is that countries have a better time getting their population to support a war of they have a chance of looking like the good guys. It also helps if every other country agrees to jump the guy doing the more evil shit.
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