Commentaries by David M. Crane | Founding Chief Prosecutor of the UN Special Court for Sierra Leone

The ongoing humanitarian and political crises in Syria encapsulate decades of repression, violence, and civil unrest. After over fifty years of authoritarian rule, culminating in the brutal civil war, the call for justice has gained paramount significance among the Syrian populace. Justice is not a mere legalistic necessity; it is a foundation upon which lasting [...]

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In the fragmented landscape of modern warfare, civilian populations have emerged as the silent victims of aggressive militarized conflicts. As violence escalates in Ukraine and Gaza, and amid the simmering tensions between Israel and Iran, we find ourselves confronting a grim reality: the deliberate targeting of civilians has become an alarming new norm. This is [...]

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The role of judge advocates in the armed forces is a critical one, particularly in times of tension and unrest within the United States, such as the current demonstrations in Los Angeles regarding immigration policy. Sworn to uphold the Constitution and provide legal guidance to military commanders, judge advocates find themselves in a precarious position [...]

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FrDr, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

“The world no longer has a choice between force and law; if civilization is to survive, it must choose the rule of law.”—Paul Krugman Introduction The Council of Europe’s establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine represents a significant development in the international justice landscape. As nations grapple with the [...]

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As Syria undergoes a precarious government transition under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, now is a critical moment to hold members of the former regime accountable for widespread human rights violations. One effective approach would be to establish a Special Domestic Criminal Court to prosecute individuals responsible for crimes committed [...]

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The United Nations has stood for nearly eight decades as a bastion of hope for international cooperation and peace. As we witness its gradual erosion, marked by a troubling drift towards irrelevance among major global powers, it becomes imperative for member states — particularly those in the Global South—to rally behind the UN’s core principles. [...]

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The recent decision by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to dismiss the Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) of the Army, Navy, and Air Force marks a troubling departure from the decades-long commitment of the US military to uphold the laws of armed conflict. This decision raises urgent concerns about the future of military engagement, the preservation of [...]

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The third anniversary of Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of international norms and the rule of law. It marks a sobering moment, not just for Ukraine, which has borne the brunt of this unprovoked aggression, but for the entire global community that cherishes peace, diplomacy, and the [...]

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The ongoing conflict in the Donbas region of Ukraine poses significant challenges to peace and stability in Eastern Europe. The complexity of the situation is exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, particularly between NATO allies and the Russian Federation. In this context, a Multinational Force and Observers for the Donbas Region (MFO-DR) may serve as an effective [...]

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In recent years, the plight of Ukraine has become a focal point in the global struggle for democracy and freedom. As the Ukrainian people continue to endure relentless aggression from Russia, it is crucial for the world community to recognize the significant stakes involved in this conflict. The shadows of past failures, like those witnessed [...]

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