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Two small children unload white bags off of a big white truck with a Red Crescent sign on the side, at dusk. A woman fully covered in a black chador stands next to the truck with her back to the camera.

Syria’s Al-Hol Camp Is Closed, But Another Remains, as Does International Responsibility

Responsible states can end the chaos and suffering in remaining camps like Roj by repatriating detainees and upholding their obligations to their citizens.
Three men wearing prostheses and a woman in a colorful long dress sit in a mostly empty room with bare floors and light coming from windows at the back.

Risk of Renewed War in Tigray: Painful Reminders From Ethiopia’s Last War Demand Action to Prevent Another

With the possibility of renewed fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray region, reminders of the toll and recommendations for the world to take preventive action.
Screenshot of the OLC Memo

The OLC Maduro Memorandum: Assisting in War Sustaining Activities is Not Direct Participation in Hostilities

A troubling OLC memo claims civilians aiding “war-sustaining activities” can be lawfully targeted—an unsupported interpretation that weakens civilian safeguards.
The US Navy warship USS Sampson (DDG 102) docks at the Amador International Cruise Terminal in Panama City on September 02, 2025. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on September 1, 2025, that eight US military vessels with 1,200 missiles were targeting his country, which he declared to be in a state of "maximum readiness to defend" itself. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP via Getty Images)

Arbitrary Killings or War Crimes? Why It Matters How the U.S. Strikes in the Caribbean Are Categorized

Analysis of U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean and the legal consequences of classifying them as arbitrary killings or war crimes under international law.
Miners work along unstable slopes of a ridge

Getting Critical Minerals Certification and Due Diligence Right In the DRC-Rwanda Accord and Beyond (With a Lesson from a Punk Band?)

A concentration on decision-making, investment, and accountability will lead to a more impactful DRC-Rwanda minerals agreement and improve others as well.
CARIBBEAN SEA - SEPTEMBER 22: In this handout provided by the U.S. Navy, An AH-1Z Cobra, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), fires an air-to-ground missile (AGM) 114N during a live-fire exercise on September 22, 2025 in the Caribbean sea.

Using an Unmarked Aircraft to Attack an Alleged Drug Boat: Is it Perfidy?

Did the Sept. 2 strike on suspected drug traffickers using an unmarked aircraft violate the prohibition on perfidy, or other LOAC rules, had there been an armed conflict?
People watch the smoke rising from Port of La Guaira after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard on January 03, 2026 in La Guaira, Venezuela. According to some reports, explosions were heard in Caracas and other cities near airports and military bases around 2 am. US President Donald Trump later announce that his country's military had launched a "large-scale" attack on Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. (Photo by Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)

U.S. Intelligence in a Post-Maduro Venezuela

Intelligence has a central role to play in capitalizing on the successful capture of Maduro and stabilizing post-Maduro Venezuela, demonstrating U.S. capabilities and resolve.

Congress, the President, and the Use of Military Force in Venezuela

Did the president have the authority under U.S. law to undertake Operation Absolute Resolve without congressional authorization? Leading experts say he did not.
Aerial view of the Pentagon

The International Law Obligation to Investigate the Boat Strikes

Operation Southern Spear’s lethal boat strikes are unlawful under IHRL and, even on the administration’s own terms, trigger binding LOAC and DoD duties to investigate.
A bullet proof vest carrying a patch with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) flag and a ballistic helmet are lying in an empty road that stretches into the background, alongside other personal belongings. Mountains can be seen stretching across the photo in the background.

Rwanda–DRC Peace Deal: Trump Owns It. Now What?

Trump's Rwanda-DRC peace deal inherits six months of failed implementation, unmet security commitments, and a worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo.

The Law on Targeting Shipwrecked Drug Traffickers: Expert Backgrounder

Detailing how, under different scenarios, international law and U.S. past practices apply to Sept. 2 boat strike on survivors.
A young boy looks on at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Balah on December 9, 2025, which resulted in a Palestinian man being killed.

An Analysis of Resolution 2803 and the International Stabilization Force: A Militarized Enforcement Mission with Precarious Legal and Strategic Implications

UN Resolution 2803 authorizes a Gaza stabilization force under U.S. guidance, raising questions about legality, impartiality, and risks to Palestinian self-rule.
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