Reposted by John Ramming ChappellThe Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy @timep.bsky.social · 08/10/2026“The US had been pushing for the arms embargo to cover the entirety of Sudan; they have since stepped back amidst opposition from other members of the UNSC…but the real question lies in enforcement,” notes John Chappell on the Trump administration's response to the war in Sudan. 112
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellIMEU Policy Project @imeupolicy.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Yesterday, Sen. @vanhollen.senate.gov, @jwrchappell.bsky.social, and Ozden Eygi Bennett joined us to discuss Israel's rampant human rights abuses in the illegally-occupied West Bank, and the 502B resolution Sen. Van Hollen has introduced to hold Israel accountable. Watch here:youtube.comHolding Israel Accountable: Briefing with Senator Chris Van Hollen on Senate Resolution 852YouTube video by IMEU Policy Project 0238
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellAlex Langlois @langloisajl.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Absolutely, positively give @jwrchappell.bsky.social's review of @akbarshahidahmed.bsky.social new book, "Crossing the Red Line," a read in @dawnmenaorg.bsky.social' Democracy in Exile. The book is well worth the read and essential for those tracking Israel-Palestine and US politics. See below: 021
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellForum on the Arms Trade @forumarmstrade.bsky.social · 23/09/2026New from @imeupolicy.bsky.social authored by @jwrchappell.bsky.social @cipolicy.bsky.social analyzes the implications of implementing Section 502B with respect to Israel, drawing from recent policy proposals, legal analysis, and media reporting. static1.squarespace.com/static/667c2... 003
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellForum on the Arms Trade @forumarmstrade.bsky.social · 23/09/2026@dawnmenaorg.bsky.social @jwrchappell.bsky.social says: The book distinguishes itself among its peers by relying on extensive interviews with people who directly participated in or witnessed the U.S. policy process. dawnmena.org/book-review-...dawnmena.orgBook Review: ‘Crossing the Red Line’ Reveals How Biden Enabled Israel’s Atrocities in Gaza - DAWNAkbar Shahid Ahmed’s new book, “Crossing the Red Line: Biden, His Advisors and Israel's War in Gaza,” is the first detailed account of the decisions that made the United States complicit in Israel’s a... 036
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellDAWN @dawnmenaorg.bsky.social · 23/09/2026"When it comes to picking people to make policy and hold power, where is your red line?" @jwrchappell.bsky.social reviews just published "Crossing the Red Line: Biden, His Advisors, and Israel's War in Gaza" by @akbarshahidahmed.bsky.social.dawnmena.orgBook Review: ‘Crossing the Red Line’ Reveals How Biden Enabled Israel’s Atrocities in Gaza - DAWNAkbar Shahid Ahmed’s new book, “Crossing the Red Line: Biden, His Advisors and Israel's War in Gaza,” is the first detailed account of the decisions that made the United States complicit in Israel’s a... 093
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellSenator Chris Van Hollen @vanhollen.senate.gov · 13/08/2026This reporting should chill every American to the bone. The Trump Administration owes the public answers – Americans do not support extrajudicial attacks in our name. We need transparency and accountability for these strikes, NOW.washingtonpost.comCovert CIA program said to be behind mysterious attacks on Galápagos boatsA surveillance plane flew from El Salvador toward the fishing boats before drones attacked, flight data shows. 20483183
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellForum on the Arms Trade @forumarmstrade.bsky.social · 07/08/2026New from @sethbinder.bsky.social ( @acmer.bsky.social ) @jwrchappell.bsky.social & JP Reppeto ( CIVIC) @elias-y.bsky.social ( @stimsoncenter.bsky.social ) examines risks associated w/ expanding cooperative defense projects as policymakers consider re: #Israel civiliansinconflict.org/publications...civiliansinconflict.orgUS Cooperative Defense Projects 101: Legal Authorities, Funding, and Risks | Center for Civilians in ConflictIn the United States, a growing number of legislators are questioning the value and purpose of continuing traditional military aid to Israel. As support for providing billions of US taxpayer dollars a... 022
John Ramming Chappell @jwrchappell.bsky.social · 05/08/2026I’m excited to be joining Center for International Policy’s roster of senior non-resident fellows! I'm excited to keep pursuing research and advocacy around the arms trade and international law while also renewing and expanding my work in other areas. Thanks @nancyokail.bsky.social for welcoming me! 131
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellNancy Okail @nancyokail.bsky.social · 04/08/2026Thrilled to welcome @jwrchappell.bsky.social as Senior Fellow at @cipolicy.bsky.social on nuclear policy, arms control & other crucial issues as we expand our capacity to build a foreign policy that prioritizes diplomacy over militarism Read his full profile: internationalpolicy.org/about/#john-... 055
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellJust Security @justsecurity.org · 13/07/2026Members of the Senate are taking steps to regulate and restrict how the Department of Defense develops and uses AI in its operations. Sarah Wilbanks and @jwrchappell.bsky.social (John Ramming Chappell) break down the different proposals underway:justsecurity.orgCivilian Protection in the Age of Military AIMembers of the Senate are taking steps to regulate and restrict how the Department of Defense develops and uses AI in its operations. 22617
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellCenter for International Policy @cipolicy.bsky.social · 08/07/2026Cluster munitions haunt battlefields long after fighting is over, scattered bomblets remaining active for months years or decades, until painstakingly disarmed or tragically detonated. U.S. stopped purchasing cluster munitions in 2007, but restarted last year. internationalpolicy.org/publications...internationalpolicy.orgRecommit to Restraint in U.S. Cluster Munitions Policy - CIPRecent backsliding in U.S. cluster munition policy implicates international law, breaks with longstanding policy, and demands an answer. 11310
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellForum on the Arms Trade @forumarmstrade.bsky.social · 08/07/2026New article from Mina Nur Basmaci and John Ramming Chappell focused on concerning possible cluster munition procurement by the US, but also making much broader points. @banclusterbombs.bsky.social @jwrchappell.bsky.social @cipolicy.bsky.social internationalpolicy.org/publications...internationalpolicy.orgRecommit to Restraint in U.S. Cluster Munitions Policy - CIPRecent backsliding in U.S. cluster munition policy implicates international law, breaks with longstanding policy, and demands an answer. 002
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellAkbar Shahid Ahmed @akbarshahidahmed.bsky.social · 03/03/2026NEW― Sources familiar with US policies on civilian casualties are deeply worried about the possible toll of Trump's war on Iran -Key Pentagon teams focused on civilians have been slashed+reassigned (even at CENTCOM) -Israel role raising fears of Gaza-style impunity www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-...huffpost.comBefore Trump Bombed Iran, Pentagon Slashed Teams Meant to Limit Civilian CasualtiesThe U.S. has "no stupid rules of engagement," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Monday. 25751
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellForum on the Arms Trade @forumarmstrade.bsky.social · 06/11/2025One of the great panels at this year's annual conference bringing together the responsible arms trade, human rights and anti-corruption communities. 12/10 in Washington DC. Sign up now www.forumarmstrade.org/annual2025.h... @jwrchappell.bsky.social @seharrison7.bsky.social @jeffabramson.bsky.social 031
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellBrian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 04/11/2025Glad to speak with @yvonnemurray.bsky.social of @news.rte.ie about the lethal US maritime strikes and be quoted along with @jwrchappell.bsky.social and my @crisisgroup.org colleague @renatasegura.bsky.social. www.rte.ie/news/analysi...rte.ieUS strikes on boats stoke fears of regional conflictAs details of the human cost of US strikes on boats in Latin America have begun to emerge, some regional leaders have declared support for US unilateral military action exposing a complex pattern of c... 0144
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellAnnie Shiel @annieshiel.bsky.social · 09/10/2025Despite the narrow failure of a Senate War Powers Resolution last night, “There will be more opportunities for Congress to rally against the president’s killings of civilians without due process," @jwrchappell.bsky.social told Responsible Statecraft. More: responsiblestatecraft.org/senate-war-p...responsiblestatecraft.orgSenate effort to rein in Trump war on 'narco-terrorists' failsWar Powers Resolution fails largely along party lines 022
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellKelsey Atherton @atherton.bsky.social · 17/09/2025Senators, representatives, and Presidential aspirants can all work to change this back to a first principle of restraint, and they should do so, argues John Ramming Chappell for @cipolicy.bsky.social. internationalpolicy.org/publications... 175
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellJust Security @justsecurity.org · 17/09/2025Analyzing the legal and moral stakes of the Caribbean strikes – and how Congress could respond. From Annie Shiel, @jwrchappell.bsky.social, Priyanka Motaparthy, Wells Dixon and Daphne Eviatar: www.justsecurity.org/120794/legal...justsecurity.orgMurder by Drone: The Legal and Moral Stakes of the Caribbean StrikesIf allowed to go unchecked, the Caribbean strikes could encourage additional unlawful executions by the United States and other leaders. 55027
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellForum on the Arms Trade @forumarmstrade.bsky.social · 17/09/2025@jwrchappell.bsky.social via @cipolicy.bsky.social concludes "Congress should be working towards a reclamation of their constitutional authority and an end to the system that allows the president to sell weapons to war criminals and human rights abusers..." internationalpolicy.org/publications...internationalpolicy.orgThink Big to Rein in the Arms Trade - CIPAmerican weapons sales cause outsized harm. Congress can change that. 024
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellSeth Binder @sethbinder.bsky.social · 11/09/2025Israel bombed multiple countries across the Middle East in recent days. US military aid makes this possible. In our new factsheet we breakdown the $21.7B provided to Israel since Oct 7 & privileges it receives that allows it to carry on its war machine. mideastdc.org/publication/...mideastdc.orgExtraordinary Sums and Privileges: U.S. Security Assistance to Israel Since October 7, 2023 - MEDC 024
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellBrian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 09/09/2025Spoke with @politico.com about the lethal U.S. strike in the Caribbean. “This is not about counterterrorism, war on terror, counter-narcotics. The really key issue here is the scope of the power being claimed by the president.” The power to kill outside the law. www.politico.com/news/2025/09...politico.com‘The GOP’s Elizabeth Warren’: Vance happy to feud with Rand PaulThe often outspoken senator blasted Vance's celebration of last week's missile strike on an alleged drug boat as 'despicable.' 525766
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellSeth Binder @sethbinder.bsky.social · 09/09/2025In a new piece by me and @stimsoncenter.bsky.social's Elias Yousif, we discuss the risks of the admin's legally dubious decision not to release detailed accounting for how the government intends to spend future foreign assistance. A 🧵 mideastdc.org/publication/...mideastdc.orgPresident Trump is Undermining Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability - MEDC 103
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellAnnie Shiel @annieshiel.bsky.social · 08/09/2025NEW: CIVIC is alarmed by the US strike on a vessel in the Caribbean that killed 11 people. An attack like this, outside of armed conflict, is an extrajudicial execution, not an act of war. Congress must demand transparency & accountability: civiliansinconflict.org/press-releas... 012
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellBrian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 05/09/2025No pretense that US is somehow engaged in an armed conflict that might justify lethal targeting in this manner. As I told @npr.org this morning, we have a word for premeditated killing outside of armed conflict: murder. (Also the administration has not substantiated any of its factual claims.) 1828885
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellRyan Goodman @rgoodlaw.bsky.social · 05/09/20251/3 Just so we are all clear on this. Based on what this former official "who has years of direct experience in fighting drug cartels" told the Times. The order to blow up the Venezuelan boat may have instead killed migrants who were being smuggled. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/03/u... 511403580
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellTess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 05/09/2025I've read and coded every War Powers Report ever sent to Congress (check them all out, with interactive graphics and a searchable database 👇), and this one on #Trump's attack on an alleged drug smuggling vessel in the Caribbean stands out. I'll explain below: warpowers.lawandsecurity.orgwarpowers.lawandsecurity.orgWar Powers Resolution Reporting ProjectA living resource on presidential reporting practice and the use of U.S. armed forces abroad. 7382163
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellAnnie Shiel @annieshiel.bsky.social · 21/08/2025Congress is back from recess soon. What are your representatives doing to end US support for carnage and starvation in Gaza? From @jwrchappell.bsky.social & me on why cosponsoring the Block the Bombs Act should be a benchmark in the House: responsiblestatecraft.org/house-vote-i...responsiblestatecraft.orgDoes the House have the grit to 'Block the Bombs' to Israel?Lawmakers returning from recess have a chance to do what their constituents are telling them to — stop US complicity in Gaza carnage 013
John Ramming Chappell @jwrchappell.bsky.social · 21/08/2025In our latest article for Responsible Statecraft (above), @annieshiel.bsky.social and I make the case for the Block the Bombs Bill, and you can also find out more about it here. 3/ www.blockthebombs.orgblockthebombs.orgBlock The Bombs To Israel 011
John Ramming Chappell @jwrchappell.bsky.social · 21/08/2025The bill would ban sales to Israel of the weapons most implicated in atrocities in Gaza -- bombs and explosive shells. It has 33 cosponsors from across the Democratic Party. But if public polling and a Senate vote are any indication, it has lots of room to grow. 2/ www.congress.gov/bill/119th-c...congress.gov 110
John Ramming Chappell @jwrchappell.bsky.social · 21/08/2025Congress finishes August recess soon, and for weeks they've been facing constituents in their home districts asking: what are you doing to stop atrocities in Gaza? The benchmark for House members is cosponsoring the Block the Bombs bill. 1/ responsiblestatecraft.org/house-vote-i...responsiblestatecraft.orgDoes the House have the grit to 'Block the Bombs' to Israel?Lawmakers returning from recess have a chance to do what their constituents are telling them to — stop US complicity in Gaza carnage 141
John Ramming Chappell @jwrchappell.bsky.social · 14/08/2025But Nigeria needs a unified policy approach to civilian protection across its security forces, or else current patterns seems likely to continue. 7/ 000
John Ramming Chappell @jwrchappell.bsky.social · 14/08/2025Nigerians face harrowing security challenges, and the government has made efforts to improve civilian protection practices. CIVIC welcomed the announcement of an air force action plan to improve civilian harm mitigation efforts, for example. 6/ civiliansinconflict.org/press-releas...civiliansinconflict.orgCIVIC Welcomes Nigerian Air Force’s New Action Plan to Prevent Civilian HarmCIVIC welcomes the Nigerian Air Force’s recent announcement of a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, which marks an important commitment to take tangible steps to minimize harm to civil... 100
John Ramming Chappell @jwrchappell.bsky.social · 14/08/2025Congress has historically played an important role in integrating protection measures into major Nigeria arms sales, but the Trump administration has recently undercut some of their key leverage to influence and improve upon sales with protection measures. 5/ www.stimson.org/2025/eroding...stimson.orgEroding What’s Left of Congressional Arms Transfer Oversight • Stimson CenterHow President Trump’s decision to defy the norms of Congressional consultation undermines one of the last meaningful mechanisms of arms transfer oversight. 100
John Ramming Chappell @jwrchappell.bsky.social · 14/08/2025Another area of concern is that the last two major arms sales to Nigeria included measures to improve human rights practices and air to ground integration. I don't see anything similar in this latest sale, but these weapons are munitions of the types we'd expect to be used in airstrikes. 4/ 100
John Ramming Chappell @jwrchappell.bsky.social · 14/08/2025These airstrikes go back many years. Here's a recent example of a misidentification that resulted in the deaths of 16 civilians in Zamfara. 3/ www.bbc.com/news/article...bbc.comNigeria military kills 16 civilians in Zamfara air strike 'mistake'The villagers were reportedly returning from a mission to chase away armed groups when they were bombed. 100
John Ramming Chappell @jwrchappell.bsky.social · 14/08/2025Last year, we wrote a report on key challenges in the relationship. Among the biggest is that the two last major sales from the US to Nigeria have comprised of military aircraft of the type used in a concerning pattern of mass civilian casualty airstrikes. 2/ civiliansinconflict.org/publications...civiliansinconflict.orgUS Security Assistance to Nigeria: Civilian Protection Gaps and OpportunitiesThis brief seeks to identify patterns and causes of civilian harm from Nigerian security force operations, assess US policy efforts to address civilian harm risks in its arms sales and security assist... 100
John Ramming Chappell @jwrchappell.bsky.social · 14/08/2025We at Center for Civilians in Conflict have been closely tracking civilian protection in the US-Nigeria security relationship, and I recently visited our teams in Abuja and Maiduguri digging into civilian protection issues. 1/ 154
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellSenator Bernie Sanders @sanders.senate.gov · 30/07/2025The time is long overdue for Congress to stop funding Israel’s illegal and horrific war against the Palestinian people. The U.S. must not support a government which is starving children. Tomorrow, I will force votes in the Senate to block the sale of weapons to Netanyahu. 912890533
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellDylan Williams @dylanwilliams.bsky.social · 30/07/2025These votes present Senators with a choice between backing up their condemnations of starvation and killing in Gaza with concrete action, or continuing to unconditionally send Israel the arms it is using to enforce its siege, fire on Palestinian civilians, and forcibly displace them from their land. 02111
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellForum on the Arms Trade @forumarmstrade.bsky.social · 30/07/2025Votes are expected Wednesday on US arms to #Israel, namely SJ Res 34 & 41. See more details here on US law and these proposed sales and concerns armssalesaccountabilityproject.com/wp-content/u... and for a timeline of this administration's arms to Israel, see www.forumarmstrade.org/us-israel-tr... 102
John Ramming Chappell @jwrchappell.bsky.social · 30/07/2025In this article, I dig into @sarajacobs.house.gov's crucial new bill to require tracking of US weapons used in civilian harm, and to cut off arms sales to countries that use American weapons to carry out atrocity crimes. 032
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellJust Security @justsecurity.org · 29/07/2025@jwrchappell.bsky.social and Kate Fin (CIVIC) break down the Silver Shield Act, which they explain gives Congress an opportunity to take real action to prevent civilian harm from U.S. weapons transfers. www.justsecurity.org/117989/silve...justsecurity.orgThe Silver Shield Act: A Bill to Track Misuse of American WeaponsCongress can turn to the Silver Shield Act when it is ready to take real action to prevent civilian harm from U.S. weapons transfers. 511637
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellBrian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 28/07/2025It is also US law. www.justsecurity.org/93589/no-mil...justsecurity.orgSection 620I: No Military Assistance to States Restricting U.S. Humanitarian AssistanceThe United States should be using the leverage this provision creates to shape more responsible Israeli policies toward aid delivery. 04718
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellCongresswoman Sara Jacobs @sarajacobs.house.gov · 24/07/2025I am sickened by what we’re seeing in Gaza right now. The IDF has blocked aid while shooting people waiting in food lines for what little aid is actually coming from the sham Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Israel needs to lift its blockade and the U.S. needs to stop sending bombs.abcnews.go.comMore than 100 aid groups warn of 'mass starvation' in Gaza amid Israel's war with HamasA statement released by the 115 aid groups warned of "record rates of acute malnutrition" in the Gaza Strip. 24536161
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellBrian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 22/07/2025In recent decades, discussions of humanitarian intervention have focused on using force to stop atrocities. Here the issue is whether the U.S. will use its military support as leverage to stop atrocities. Colleagues of Cindy’s late husband should listen to this. m.youtube.com/watch?v=tlyy...m.youtube.comCindy McCain tells CNN Israeli troops fired on crowds approaching Gaza aid convoyYouTube video by CNN 33719
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellForum on the Arms Trade @forumarmstrade.bsky.social · 18/07/2025William Hartung @quincyinst.bsky.social argues "Congress should be increasing its ability to block dubious deals, not hobbling its own oversight role and ability to meaningfully weigh in on pressing U.S. national security matters." responsiblestatecraft.org/arms-sales-2...responsiblestatecraft.orgCongress poised to do less oversight on arms salesNew bills would continue to chip away and the legislative branch's role in shaping US foreign policy 045
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellLawfare @lawfaremedia.org · 15/07/2025Does President Trump's payment to El Salvador to detain hundreds of men without charges or a trial violate U.S. law? @seharrison7.bsky.social ( @crisisgroup.org) finds that loopholes in U.S. statues have provided a pathway for the use of security assistance for the purpose of imprisoning people.lawfaremedia.orgCrossing the Rubicon: U.S. Government Cash for Human Rights ViolationsWith a payment to El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, President Trump appears to have hired a foreign government to arbitrarily detain hundreds of men. 59131
Reposted by John Ramming ChappellInternational Peace Institute @ipinst.bsky.social · 18/06/2025🔔 New on the GO: Weapons without Consequences: How the Global Arms Trade Undermines the Protection of Civilians How do arms exports undermine civilian protection, and how can this be stopped? 👉 Read the full analysis: theglobalobservatory.org/1900/06/weap...theglobalobservatory.orgWeapons without Consequences: How the Global Arms Trade Undermines the Protection of Civilians - IPI Global ObservatoryIn recent years, global attention to the role of international arms transfers in harming civilians has soared. Much of this attention stems from the United States’ and other countries’ exports to Isra... 055