Hopes for The Hague

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Today is International Justice Day, an anniversary few recognize but many should celebrate. It marks the 11th anniversary of the statute that launched the world's first International Criminal Court.

But the court began its work with a significant handicap that lengthened the odds on its success.

The United States, under George W. Bush, withdrew its support because it feared it would be vulnerable to war crimes charges for American military campaigns abroad.

An alarmed U.S. Congress passed the American Service-Members' Protection Act, nicknamed "The Hague Invasion Act."

It mandated the use of "all means necessary and appropriate" to rescue any service person who fell into the court's clutches.

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