As the dust settles after the fall of the Assad regime, a significant chapter is closing in the tragic narrative of the Syrian conflict. The civil war, which erupted in 2011 following the brutal crackdown on peaceful student protests in Daraa, has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions. Yet, with the regime’s [...]
“A republic, if you can keep it.” –Benjamin Franklin’s response to Elizabeth Willing Powel’s question: “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” The rule of law lies at the heart of any functioning democracy, serving as a cornerstone for justice, equality, and the very fabric of society itself. As the United [...]
The rule of law is the bedrock of international relations and human rights, ensuring that nations adhere to established norms to protect humanity during times of conflict. Within this framework, the laws of armed conflict delineate appropriate conduct in wartime through fundamental principles: military necessity, proportionality, unnecessary suffering, and discrimination. The foundational tenet of the [...]
The rule of law has long been considered a cornerstone of American democracy, safeguarding individual rights, ensuring justice, and regulating the conduct of public officials within a framework of established laws. However, a troubling trend has emerged in recent years — a significant erosion of respect for this foundational principle. This decline is evidenced through [...]
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has illuminated the critical need for accountability on the international stage, particularly regarding violations of sovereignty and acts of aggressive warfare. President Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine not only pose a significant threat to global peace but also challenge the foundational principles of international law. Prosecuting Putin for the international [...]
As we mark the one-year anniversary of the horrific October 7 attacks on Israeli civilians, it’s essential to reflect not only on the immediate tragedies of that day, but also on the ensuing conflict that has led to a cycle of escalating violence and suffering. While Israel’s initial retaliation against Hamas may have been lawful [...]
When analyzing an Israeli attack on Hezbollah using the principles of the law of armed conflict (LOAC)—specifically military necessity, proportionality, discrimination, and unnecessary suffering—it is critical to break down each principle and apply it to the given scenario. This analysis assumes that the attack involved the use of pagers and electronic detonation, targeting Hezbollah as [...]
