Counterterrorism
486 Articles

Missed Opportunities and Minor Progress: The FY 2023 National Defense Bill and War Powers
One big disappointing omission and otherwise a mixed bag from the standpoint of winding down the United States’ forever wars -- despite leaders of both parties having proclaimed…

As Women and Children Return to the West from Syrian Camps, Lessons From Sweden
In 57 countries, judicial systems will handle those suspected of crimes, but thousands of other individuals must be reintegrated into society.

UN Budget vs. Rhetoric: Touting “Agenda for Peace” But Investing in Counterterrorism Instead?
The Secretary-General is requesting a 400 percent increase for the Office of Counter-Terrorism even as the Peacebuilding Fund languishes.

UN Counterterrorism and Technology: What Role for Human Rights in Security?
A key UN committee opened its doors to civil society and experts, but the resulting Delhi Declaration contains little of that input thus far.

Just Security Podcast: The Biden Administration’s Secret Drone Policy (Pilot Episode)
New York Times national security correspondent Charlie Savage reported that the Biden administration has issued a still-classified policy on some types of counterterrorism operations,…

How Support to Partner Forces Enables Secret War
With security cooperation as a means of pursuing U.S. military objectives becoming more frequent, Department of Defense-led security cooperation, particularly under §§ 333, 127e,…

Emerging Tech Has a Front-Row Seat at India-Hosted UN Counterterrorism Meeting. What About Human Rights?
Hype and untested promises have accelerated deployment of artificial intelligence, biometrics, and more, in the dubious name of security.

India’s Abuses at Home Raise Concerns About Its Global Counterterrorism Role
It is hosting a special meeting of the UN Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee, which it chairs, even amid internal repression.

Ending Perpetual War
With the threat of terrorism receding, the Biden administration should seize the moment and illuminate a path back to peace.

What the White House Use of Force Policy Means for the War in Somalia
In principle, the new policy tightens safeguards for airstrikes and special operation raids. But it contains loopholes that will likely allow business as usual for USAFRICOM in…

The Biden Drone Playbook: The Elusive Promise of Restrained Counterterrorism
The new policy guidance on direct action is welcome, but more work is needed to fulfill the promise of restrained counterterrorism.

Biden’s New Counterterrorism Policy Guidance Further Entrenches the Forever War
Biden's classified policy memorandum on counterterrorism drone strikes is just one more stepping stone in the long path of the forever war.