A reminder of the Red Cross logo's power

Symbols, trademarks, icons, logos. What’s their true value? Following up on Johnson & Johnson’s lawsuit last year against the Red Cross over the latter’s familiar symbol, here’s a thought-provoking story from Colombia: At least one member of the military team that rescued 15 hostages long held by FARC rebels reportedly sported the Red Cross symbol on a bib or vest. That’s a violation of the Geneva Conventions and possibly a “war crime,” as such deception could pose a risk to humanitarian workers.