Security Assistance

The Trump administration's dismantling of USAID poses significant threats to security in the Middle East and North Africa.

Dissolution of USAID or formal transfer of its functions provided by Congress would require legislation - the president may not unilaterally override a statute by executive order.  

The Trump administration's "stop work" order on U.S. foreign assistance may hurt its foreign policy goals and national security priorities.

The plaintiffs in Amal Gaza, et al v. Secretary Antony Blinken, et al have a single demand of the State Department: obey the law.

The Human Rights Reporting Gateway can help the State Department enforce the Leahy law by providing key information from NGOs and victims.

A model Department of Defense action memo illustrates what a faithful application of the Leahy law to an alleged gross human rights violation in Israel would look like.

The US easing of limits on use of a long-range missile system, ATACMS, may be too late, depending on Trump's approach when he takes office.

Former State Department official critically analyzes State Department's decision to drop Netzah Yehuda unit from Leahy Law sanctions.

The State Department's Civilian Harm Incident Response Guidance process is a good start but changes can improve function and transparency.

The Alliance made significant progress in some areas, but has lots of work to do going forward to meet the challenges on its doorstep.

A successful counter-gang strategy must rebuild community trust, protect human rights, and lay the groundwork for long-term peace and stability.

"For seven and a half years, I served as director of the State Department office that leads Leahy vetting of foreign security units. ... U.S. State Department spokespersons assert…