According to the Times of London, US and UK war planners are aware of, and complaining about the laws of war. Their claim is that worries about getting caught in a violation is hurting their cause. An article in the Guardian credits the modern anti-war movement with making warriors worry about the means as well as the ends, as long as it’s a conflict to which people pay attention.
To be fair, I doubt the Ba’ath Party has been running their defensive plans by counsel, but they’re trying to survive, not win any hearts and minds.
Update: Okay, so Saddam’s trying to win hearts and minds, but he’s fighting dirty (fake surrenders, etc.) because it’s for keeps. Go read Kos, he was in the Second Gulf War and has much to say about The Rules of War.
Also check out The Crimes of War Project.
