Terrorism & Violent Extremism
Just Security provides expert legal and policy analysis of terrorism, counterterrorism, and domestic and international violent extremism.
2,228 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…

The U.S.-Taliban Accord: Can the Afghan Government Rise to the Occasion?
Intra-Afghan talks are set to start March 10, leaving little time for the Afghan government to organize a negotiation team, even though they've had months to prepare.

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.

The FBI and Apple Redux
It remains to be seen how this new clash will resolve itself, but the stakes have only increased for both sides.

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.

Sudan Takes Two Big Steps toward Normalizing Relations: USS Cole and Bashir
Sudan’s transitional government took two significant steps toward improving its international standing and normalizing relations with the United States by first agreeing for…

Germany Goes 19th Century with New Statement on Law of Occupation — On Status of US Forces in Syria
Are U.S. forces in Syria “occupiers” under international law?

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.

As ISIS Regroups, No Time to Cut U.S., U.N. Assistance to Iraq
Iraq is teetering, and the U.S. presence is uncertain. All the more reason to retain the kinds of U.N. and other civilian programs that prevent backsliding.

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…