The United States, a very close ally of Ireland, has been quick to distance itself from accepting its obligations under some international agreements. While it has rightly been to the forefront in prosecuting war crimes, it has attempted to ensure it will never be the defendant in such situations. That is not an acceptable or tenable position. Given that America is such an important influence in the world – economically, politically, socially and every other way – it is important that it should be to the forefront of moves for better accountability for all actions by states in times of peace and war.