What prevents the United States from issuing direct reparations or compensation to victims of war?
International law says that states do not have to compensate victims during war. What we try to do is get the United States to improve programs it already has through the US Agency for International Development (USAID). We do not push for compensation, because we push for what we can get. The United States does have processes of compensation, but they are not clear. We need a clearer process that moves faster, that is not confusing for me as an advocate and for Iraqis who are seeking assistance. We want something systematic that benefits as many people as possible. Compensation programs would be easy for people to understand, but it is hard for people to understand USAID programs and the surveying process. People want a number; they do not consider the individuals. To what extent do you think the United States is fulfilling its obligations, legal or moral, as an occupying power and party to war in Afghanistan and Iraq? I think the United States needs to do more. It has a responsibility
