'Red Crystal' to help protect medics in combat

[Bigmac]

  I just read an article (link below) about the international medical and aid worker community using one symbol "Red crystal" to identify themselves. As we know under the Geneva convention civilian humanitarian aid workers and all medical personnel are to display a red cross or crescent to protect themselves in areas of conflict. Israel is now asking to use it's medical symbol which is similar to the star of David on their flag. The international community is worried that too many different medical symbols could be confusing and put people in more danger.
    Believe it or not Afghanistan did sign the Geneava Convention in 1949 and ratified in 1956. A lot has changed in that country since 1956. The Taliban is certainly not known for human rights. Civilian aid workers and medical pers are certainly in danger in Afghanistan whether they display medical symbol or not. Military medics who display medical symbols outside the wire are prime targets for Taliban.
    I doubt we will see the red crystal come into effect any time soon if at all.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2007/01/12/3321581-ap.html

 

[medicineman]

I thought this was about some crystal we get to wear that will deflect bullets and stuff - guess not.  With my luck, it would just attract them...

MM

 

[Journeyman]

The Red Cross site has more details.

 

[medicineman]

Why do the words "Targets Up!!" come to mind?

MM

 

[Journeyman]

...and here I thought it was a navigation symbol on a buoy for "Keep out - boats prohibited"  

 

[medicineman]

...and here I thought it was a navigation symbol on a buoy for "Keep out - boats prohibited"  

I guess the Mercy and the Comfort won't be flying it then  ;D.

MM

 

[DJ]

More info can be found here: 

http://www.ifrc.org/who/emblem.asp 

Edit: Actually read the article and realized most of my post was moot.