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About this quote

What does it mean?
Mandela declares that the United States has committed unspeakable atrocities and lacks concern for human beings.
In plain terms
He condemns the US for severe moral failures.
What can you take from it?
Recognize that powerful nations can act immorally.

Where it applies

  • human‑rights reports
  • international law forums
  • activist campaigns

Putting it to work

  • document abuses
  • press for accountability

Questions to consider

  • How can we assess a nation’s overall moral record?
  • What mechanisms hold powerful states accountable?

Another view

The sweeping claim may overlook complexities and positive actions.

More from Nelson Mandela

  1. Bush is now undermining the United Nations. He is acting outside it, not withstanding the fact that the United Nations was the idea of President Roosevelt and …

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  2. What I am condemning is that one power, with a president [George W. Bush] who has no foresight, who cannot think properly, is now wanting to plunge the world i…

    Permalink to quote #90
  3. It's a tragedy what is happening, what Bush is doing. All Bush wants is Iraqi oil. There is no doubt that the U.S. is behaving badly. Why are they not seeking …

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