His attempt to clear his name by executing three soldiers, chosen by straw poll, for cowardice is a chilling indictment of the unseen motives underpinning modern warfare.

ECONOMIST: War is certainly hell to film

And Mr Straw has made it clear that he will not consider any pleas to halt the extradition on health grounds until legal proceedings are completed and the case lands back on his desk.

ECONOMIST: The Pinochet case