AUMF
76 Articles
Questions the Senate Should Ask State Legal Adviser Nominee CJ Mahoney
The State Department Legal Adviser is the most senior U.S. lawyer responsible for ensuring the United States upholds its international legal obligations, which is now, more than…
The Soleimani Strike and War Powers
Key Legal Questions, With Preview of a New Research Database
What Did We Learn About Mark Esper and How He Views the World?
From Iran to Afghanistan to collective self-defense, the big takeaways from the Senate confirmation hearing for Mark Esper, nominated by the president to be defense secretary.…
Now is the Time to Repeal the 2002 AUMF
Repealing the 2002 AUMF would take an unnecessary force authorization off the books, ensure it can’t be improperly invoked to drag the U.S. into unauthorized war, and reassert…
Self-Defense in International Law: What Level of Evidence?
With the question of whether Iran's actions justify the use of force, the issue of evidence is once again at the forefront of international debate. So, how much evidence does a…
Unpacking the State Dept Acknowledgment that 2001 and 2002 AUMFs Don’t Authorize War Against Iran
An analysis of State Dept's major concession, whether the one stated exception is a loophole for military action, and what Congress should now do.
New Legislation Offers Opportunity to Address 2001 Authorization for Use of Force, Amid Fears of War with Iran
Thanks to a new amendment that will be introduced today to must-pass legislation, Congress will have the opportunity to wrest greater control over its authorization of war under…
About that Trial Balloon on Using 9/11 AUMF to Authorize Strikes on Iran
Monday’s Washington Times included a breathless “Exclusive” report titled “Iran-al Qaeda Alliance May Provide Legal Rationale for U.S. Military Strikes.” In the piece,…
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: Does the McConnell amendment provide a justification for military operations against Iran?
The Senate’s rebuke of President Trump announcing a precipitous withdrawal from Syria creates dangerous ambiguity as to whether confronting Iran should be considered part of…
How Dangerous—and How New—Is the Defense Department’s “Collective Self-Defense” Theory?
The Defense Department’s reliance on a broad interpretation of “collective self-defense” appears to authorize military operations further removed from congressional approval…
U.S. Military’s “Collective Self-Defense” of Non-State Partner Forces: What Does International Law Say?
Earlier this month, Senator Tim Kaine made public a letter he wrote to Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis asking for clarification on the meaning of “collective self-defense of…
A New AUMF Is Not a Solution to “Endless War”
Seventeen years have now passed since the attacks of September 11, 2001, and the launching of wars against terrorist groups tied to those attacks. While Congress and the George…