Terrorism & Violent Extremism
Counterterrorism
809 Articles

Iraqi Militias Split Over New Iran-Backed Head, Reflecting Wider Divisions
Understanding the differences among the Hashd al-Sha’abi factions is vital as the organization gains increasing influence in government, including the official Iraqi security…

What to Watch For in White House’s Annual Report on Use of Military Force
The report is due Sunday, March 1, and here are the key legal and policy issues to keep a sharp eye on.

After Soleimani Killing, Iran and Its Proxies Recalibrate in Iraq
Understanding the motivations and capabilities of leading Iranian-backed militia units is vital for an effective US and Iraqi response to likely violence in the coming months.

Congress Speaks: Trump Currently Has No Authority to Launch War with Iran
The House and Senate have passed resolutions that say President Trump has no authority to take the country to war against Iran.

White House ‘1264 Notice’ and Novel Legal Claims for Military Action Against Iran
"The administration’s positions amount to a fundamental revision of existing legal foundations for military action against Iran that can be undertaken by this and future presidents."

Guantanamo’s Ugly Taint on U.S. Diplomacy
Watching the Guantanamo proceedings from behind the courtroom's safety glass brings to mind a different prison, halfway around the world, in Egypt.

Instagram Content Removals in Iran Highlight Questions Over Facebook’s New Oversight Board
Facebook’s recent release of the bylaws for its new Oversight Board, which will be charged with reviewing takedown decisions by Facebook and Instagram, came on the heels of reports…

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.

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.

The President, His Relationship with Intelligence, and the Soleimani Strike
When it comes to intelligence, like with so much else, President Donald Trump likes big names. It’s this focus on celebrity, headlines, and immediate gratification -- versus …