As reported here, 1st Lt. Ehren Watada has had at least three charges filed against him for his refusal to deploy with his unit to Iraq: Conduct Unbecoming an Officer; Missing Movement; and Contempt Toward Officials. All three charges are serious charges, and could result in up to eight years of prison time, and a dishonorable discharge, if he is convicted. This would also severely impact his life as a civilian if he is convicted, limiting his opportunities for 'meaningful' employment.
"Watada's commanders barred him from attending a news conference by his supporters last month, but they played a video in which he said the "war in Iraq is not only morally wrong but a horrible breach of American law." , adding, ""Although I have tried to resign out of protest, I will be forced to participate in a war that is manifestly illegal," Watada said. "As the order to take part in an illegal act is ultimately unlawful as well, I must as an officer of honor and integrity refuse that order.""
As I noted in a previous post, the former regime of Iraq under Saddam was guilty of violating no less than four UN Security Council resolutions, the penalty for doing so was the possibility of renewed hostilities, which has occurred and is completely legal, so therefore, his conclusions about the legality of the war in Iraq are completely false, and without merit.
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