One of the world's biggest suspected arms dealers, Viktor Bout, has been arrested in Thailand. It's not the first time - he's been accused of arming one side or the other in wars across Africa and Asia. This time he's been accused of arming the FARC in Colombia.
However the man who has been dubbed the "merchant of death" - and was the inspiration behind Nicholas Cage's character in Lord of War - has never been prosecuted.
Ethan Zuckerman has an excellent profile of Bout in which he reviews Douglas Farah and Stephen Braun's book Merchant of Death. Farah and Braun's book ends on a pessimistic note. They doubt Bout will ever face justice, despite his alleged role in arming such characters as Charles Taylor, the former president of Liberia who is currently on trial at The Hague for alleged war crimes.
But this time might be different. The Thai authorities acted on a warrant issued by the US and, at the moment, appear to be willing to extradite him to the States. Maybe it's time for an epilogue.
(Photo: STR/AFP/Getty Images)
Just another in the works. This will not solve Africa's problem in the least. Another one will rise up of course.
Posted by: tms ruge | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 03:17 AM
Viktor Bout's arrest brings great among the People who lived in Armed Conflicts areas.
However, Dealers of the sort are still exploiting conflicts around the World,in areas such as Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi Rebels, Sudan Rebels,etc.
There is a need for tougher sanctions and greater Global awareness that those who make wars possible,should be dealt with according to International Law.
Posted by: Desire-Joseph Katihabwa | Saturday, 05 April 2008 at 03:53 PM