The common belief that Britain, acting as the policeman of Europe, went to war with Hitler to stop the Holocaust is an ex post facto justification. The Nazis’ “Final Solution” – the beginning of systematic murder as a solution to the “Jewish Problem” – did not begin until the Wannsee Conference of 20 January 1942. Adolf Hitler’s opinions regarding the Jews were well known long before the war. He wrote a book outlining his antisemitism and his plans to deal with the Jews of Germany. Britain may or may not have been comfortable with this development in Berlin, but it did nothing.
The Difference between a Soldier and a War Criminal
When issued with orders that they know will incur collateral damage (civilian deaths) British military personnel will be faced with either blindly following orders (à la the Nuremberg defence) or conscientious objection.
The Slaughter of the Children’s Intifada
Already there is talk of a Third Palestinian Intifada, and Hamas has indeed called the people of Palestine to arms, but it is clear that even Hamas is playing catch-up because a children’s intifada has already erupted.
