International Law: Self-Defense
Soldier Self-Defense and the Strikes in Syria
Erica Gaston Thu, Jun 22, 2017, 3:07 PM
What an expansive conception of soldier or unit self-defense means for IHL and modern asymmetric conflict.
Latest in Syria
Syria
We are Rushing Raqqa
Adham Sahloul Wed, May 24, 2017, 4:24 PM
At an April 27 hearing at the House Foreign Affairs Committee on policy options in Syria titled “After the Missile Strikes,” Charles Lister, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, cautioned the dais on the need to “not rush Raqqa.” On May 9, the Pentagon announced that indeed U.S. President Donald Trump intends to do just that.
International Law
New Database of States’ Approaches to Use of Force Concerning Syria
Dustin Lewis, Jillian Ventura Wed, May 24, 2017, 12:14 PM
Under what conditions may a state lawfully intervene—or otherwise act—in relation to armed conflict in Syria?
Syria
Syria Burns, Literally
Paul Rosenzweig Wed, May 17, 2017, 1:45 PM
The Trump drama so consumes us that we cannot even respond to hints of mass murder.
Executive Power
What’s the Legal Basis for the Syria Strikes? The Administration Must Acknowledge Limits on its Power to Start a War
Justin Florence Mon, May 8, 2017, 12:44 PM
Project Democracy has filed suit under the Freedom of Information Act to obtain the President's legal justification for his administration's strikes against a Syrian airbase.
Executive Power
Kaine and Schiff Seek White House Legal Analysis on Syria Strikes
Quinta Jurecic Tue, Apr 25, 2017, 10:44 AM
Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) have sent a letter to President Trump requesting information on the administration's domestic legal justification for the recent airstrikes in Syria, "in particular an explanation of whether this action expands ... precedents for action under Article II." The letter is available here and below.
Syria
Join the White Helmets for a Hoover Panel Discussion on Humanitarian Efforts in Syria
Jane Chong Mon, Apr 24, 2017, 3:04 PM
Join the Hoover Institution this Thursday, April 27, from 5-7 pm for a panel discussion with the White Helmets on their humanitarian efforts in Syria.
Syria
Polling Data on the U.S. Airstrikes in Syria
Elizabeth McElvein Thu, Apr 20, 2017, 9:31 AM
To the extent that domestic political considerations may constrain or embolden the Trump Administration's foreign policy, it is worth considering recent polling data on the Administration’s airstrikes.
Omphalos
After the Airstrike, What Washington Should Do Next in Syria
Itamar Rabinovich Mon, Apr 17, 2017, 12:51 PM
If the Trump administration is looking to escalate in Syria, it should consider working with Israel and Jordan in the country's south.
Syria
Trump’s Syria Conundrum, Part II
Ammar Abdulhamid Thu, Apr 13, 2017, 1:00 PM
Rather than help curtail the slaughter and pave the way for serious peace talks, limited strikes risk re-empowering Assad while undermining the credibility of President Trump.