Armed Conflict
Just Security’s expert authors provide analysis on the legal, policy, and strategic dimensions of armed conflict, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, counterterrorism operations, conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, and other armed conflicts across the globe, with a focus on international humanitarian law, war crimes and accountability, mitigating and remedying civilian harm, and the humanitarian impacts of warfare.
3,544 Articles
American Policy Paralysis in the Middle East Strikes Idlib
While observers of the Middle East focus on the spiraling escalation of US-Iran tensions, a humanitarian crisis with potentially far greater consequences is rapidly unfolding in…
Never Mind “America First” — Trump’s Newly Expanded Immigration Ban Puts Americans Last
Nationality-based restrictions will separate families and are the wrong tool to promote public safety and national security.
Afghanistan Papers, the Miniseries, Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bombshell
The Washington Post describes the story as uncovering a widespread effort by U.S. officials to “conceal the truth” about the war. A close reading shows that's not the case.
Pentagon Deployment of New, “More Usable” Nuclear Weapon Is a Grave Mistake
DoD now acknowledges it has deployed a new, sea-based nuclear warhead capability. But the administration’s stated rationale for the new weapon is deeply flawed, and the decision…
US Should Think Again About Reversing Landmine Policy
The Trump administration announced Friday that the United States will re-start using and producing antipersonnel landmines. The new policy follows the U.S. retreat from multilateralism…
Human Shielding (by Omission) in Iran
Iran violated its legal obligations to take passive precautions to protect civilians under its control, with the intent that those civilians shield military targets from attack.…
U.K. Proposes to Limit Accountability for Violations by Armed Forces
The British government is considering an unprecedented and comprehensive package of measures designed to shield both individual members of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of…
Sudan’s Push for Removal from U.S. Terror List: Not a Panacea
There are ways to achieve the goals Sudan’s pro-democracy forces have set for their country, but it will require multiple, methodical steps by both Sudan and the United States.
After Soleimani Strike, Iran-Backed Militias Threaten Iraq’s Stability: An Explainer
There is a real risk that Iran-backed militias are driving Iraq back towards conflict. And their power is greatly enhanced by their legal status as organs of the Iraqi state.
Compilation of States’ Reactions to U.S. and Iranian Uses of Force in Iraq in January 2020
A comprehensive guide to every state in the world's reaction to the U.S. operation killing of Qassem Soleimani and to the Iranian military response.
How to Think About the Soleimani Strike in Four Questions
Four fundamental questions come to mind in the aftermath of the strike that can and should be debated.
Iran’s Leaders Preserve the Republic With a Hybrid of International and Islamic Law
The rhetorical strategy allows them to address the world and Iranians at the same time, while passing on different messages.