There's a very interesting article at Salon about the self-described "human shields" going to Iraq to try to prevent or deter war.

I respect anyone who has the guts to do something like this. But I see a recurring theme here, one I've thought about many times in the past, and which the article makes clear: People with ideologies tend to lose their common sense sometimes -- lose sight of the realities of power in the world.

The article talks about how in 1990 Iraq kidnapped westerners and brought them to military targets in order to deter strikes to those locations. They talk in particular about one man's horrible experiences, and his opinion on the current voluntary human shields.

I think the tactic could be effective. But putting your life in the hands of Hussein and hoping for your wishes to be respected is losing sight of reality. Some people in the world have respect for principles, etc. Some only respect the laws of nature. I believe Hussein is one of the latter, and I'm truly saddened by the thought of what these individuals will most probably experience...