By Polly Tickle
In a spectacular display of international diplomacy, Senator Lindsey Graham has proposed that the United States should invade the Netherlands to take control of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This suggestion comes on the heels of the ICC’s announcement that it might issue arrest warrants for top political figures, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Graham, known for his colorful rhetoric, argued that the only way to prevent the ICC from exercising its judicial powers over American and allied leaders is to simply eliminate its jurisdiction altogether. “We can’t let these unelected globalists dictate the actions of our elected officials,” Graham declared, hinting at a grand plan to integrate the Netherlands into U.S. territory.
Critics were quick to point out the numerous legal, ethical, and logistical issues with such a proposal, not least of which is the minor detail that invading a sovereign nation over judicial disagreements is generally frowned upon in international relations. However, Graham’s supporters believe this drastic action is necessary to preserve American sovereignty and prevent foreign interference in domestic affairs.
As the world reacts with a mix of disbelief and bemusement, one thing is clear: Lindsey Graham has taken the art of geopolitical strategy to an entirely new, if somewhat surreal, level. Whether this bold plan will gain any traction remains to be seen, but it has certainly put the Netherlands on notice and given late-night comedians plenty of material for weeks to come.
Liv N. Large