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Viola Gienger

@violagienger.bsky.social
3.3K followers 266 following 205 posts

Writer, editor, professional questioner in foreign affairs/natsec. Washington Sr. Editor @justsecurity.bsky.social. Posts=HedsUp. Like=notable

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Reposted by Viola Gienger
Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
2/ The #GTMODispatches are for you if you’re interested in: - The rule of law - Justice and finality for the victims of 9/11 & USS Cole bombing - How the judges & lawyers handle defendants who were tortured by the US government - How the military court - on a base in #Cuba - operates
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
1/ @rgoodlaw.bsky.social & I are honored to announce that veteran, multi-award winning reporter @carolrosenbergfeed.bsky.social will be publishing Dispatches from Guantanamo with us at @justsecurity.org –regular updates as the capital trials in the military commissions get underway. #GTMODispatches
justsecurity.org
Guantánamo Dispatch: The USS Cole Case Edges Toward Trial
Carol Rosenberg reports from Guantánamo Bay on the upcoming pre-trial hearing in the USS Cole bombing case.
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
3/ As I wrote today, we can still choose to turn the page on this era. Crises, including America's rule of law crisis today, provide opportunities for change, but changing for the better is not an inevitable default. We the people have to work to create the new normal we want to inhabit:
There is a throughline from this post-9/11 power structure to the rule of law crisis we find ourselves in today.

If anything can and should galvanize even the most jaded among us to finally turn the page, it is the current administration’s use (and extension) of the rhetoric, powers, and policy playbooks employed in the post-9/11 era for even more blatantly illegal, deeply unstrategic, and morally indefensible actions. The murders at sea, the Iran war, seizure of a sitting head of state by force, normalizing hate speech and constant “othering” meant to divide us, the purposeful cruelty injected into immigration enforcement, gratuitously shattering our most crucial alliances from within. And relying on a rejection of legal constraint that began a quarter-century ago to do so.

We know the answers to many of the questions the Trump era is raising – we learned them after 9/11: Does dehumanizing our neighbors make us stronger? Does alienating our allies make it easier to achieve our goals? Does impunity strengthen our nation’s moral fabric? Is the rule of law a bedrock American value, or an expendable veneer for raw power?

We know the answers. There is nothing inevitable about where we land as a nation when we emerge from today’s crisis, more diffuse but more all-encompassing than the one we experienced 25 years ago today. Individual leaders make choices. The public shapes them. We have agency. We can choose a different future.
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
2/ The collection includes deeply personal reflections and incisive analysis on how the 9/11 era shapes our current era Must reads: the powerful Afghan voices - Hanifa Girowal (women's rights advocate) - Farid Hamidi (former AG of Afghanistan) - Nasir A. Andisha (Afghan diplomat in Geneva)
justsecurity.org
9/11 Then and Now: How It Shapes Us 25 Years On
How the September 11 attacks, and the U.S. response that followed, changed the world and the way we approach the moment we are in today.
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
1/ The 22 essays collected here @justsecurity.org are a powerful reminder of the gravity of what was lost on 9/11, the opportunities that followed, and the many ways those opportunities were squandered at home and abroad. www.justsecurity.org/156339/9-11-...
justsecurity.org
9/11 Then and Now: How It Shapes Us 25 Years On
How the September 11 attacks, and the U.S. response that followed, changed the world and the way we approach the moment we are in today.
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Repatriate the Children - Sweden @rtc-sweden.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
New statement from the UN CoI on Syria: The Commission calls the closure of Roj Camp “long-overdue” and urges states of nationality to support repatriation and rehabilitation without further delay. www.ohchr.org/en/statement...
ohchr.org
Statement by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic accompanying its Oral Update to the 63rd Session of the Human Rights Council
Mr. President, Excellencies,
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John Gramlich @johngramlich.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Shots fired across the Potomac washingtonsun.com/about-us/pre...
Screenshot of an article introducing the rebranding of NOTUS, or News of the United States, as The Washington Sun. The article says of the new name: "We'd rather light a big candle than keep on cursing the darkness." The statement appears to be a reference to The Washington Post and its slogan, "Democracy Dies in Darkness."
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NewsLab @thenewslab.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The American Journalism Project releases its 2026 Impact Report, which it says tells a clear story: Nonprofit local news has moved beyond proof of concept and has established itself as a pillar of the revitalization of local news. theajp.org/wp-content/u...
theajp.org
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 09/09/2026
Just Security and @rcls-nyu.bsky.social asked experts how 9/11 shaped their path and how it continues to shape us a quarter century later. With new contributions from Farid Hamidi, Geoffrey Corn, Nasir A. Andisha, @jameeljaffer.bsky.social, @bechamilton.bsky.social, and @scott-roehm.bsky.social:
justsecurity.org
9/11 Then and Now: How it Shapes Us 25 Years On
How the September 11 attacks, and the U.S. response that followed, changed the world and the way we approach the moment we are in today.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 09/09/2026
Ratko Mladic's funeral illustrates that the image of him as a military hero continues to compete with the judicially established record of his responsibility for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. From Ehlimana Memisevic:
justsecurity.org
Ratko Mladić Is Dead, Yet Legions Mourn This “Butcher of Bosnia” and Celebrate His Crimes
Thousands mourned Ratko Mladić at his funeral in Belgrade despite his responsibility for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
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Dana Milbank @danamilbank.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The Washington Sun rises today. I hope you’ll join our orbit. The Sun aims to do nothing less than reinvent the newspaper for the digital age — and to prove that there is a market in the capital region for local news and sports coverage. washingtonsun.com/perspectives...
washingtonsun.com
Dana Milbank: The Washington Sun Rises Today. I Hope You’ll Join Our Orbit.
My boss, Tim Grieve, posted a photo on X last week of a shipment of office chairs that had just arrived at the Arlington, Virginia, headquarters of our new publication, The Washington Sun. “It's fun t...
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John Gramlich @johngramlich.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
New @apstylebook.com guidance: "Lake Ontario has carried that name for more than 400 years. Refer to it by its original name. If it is relevant to the story, acknowledge and explain the name Trump has chosen."
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Jameel Jaffer @jameeljaffer.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
I wrote about the courts and the "war on terror"--"a bleak landscape of judicial abdication, with the courts almost invariably placing national security policies beyond the reach of the law and human rights victims outside the sphere of judicial protection" www.thenation.com/article/worl...
thenation.com
See No Evil
American courts and the War on Terror.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 24/02/2026
[1/] On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of #Ukraine, Just Security offers expert analysis spanning law, diplomacy, humanitarian policy, and more, from leading Ukrainian and international authors. www.justsecurity.org/tag/russia-u...
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
1/ Trump's War Powers Report to Congress on the #Venezuela strikes and seizure of #Maduro is in. I've read/coded every WPR report and used to work on them in the White House. (See this searchable database & graphics warpowers.lawandsecurity.org/%F0%9F%91%87) Here's what stands out about this one🧵:
warpowers.lawandsecurity.org
War Powers Resolution Reporting Project
A living resource on presidential reporting practice and the use of U.S. armed forces abroad.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 05/12/2025
[1/2] Don't miss our 2025 end-of-year book recs from the JS community. Featuring novels and non-fiction by @davidenrich.bsky.social @tim-weiner.bsky.social @philippesands.bsky.social @realrussbaker.bsky.social @shaunwalker7.bsky.social @milleridriss.bsky.social www.justsecurity.org/126111/just-...
justsecurity.org
The Just Security 2025 Year-End Book Recommendations
Just Security editors recommend books they read this year, including those that illuminated world issues and brought joy into their 2025.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 06/12/2025
(1/4) Catch up on our recent analysis: • U.S. strikes / Venezuela • Book recommendations • Ethiopia • Trump executive actions • Supreme Court • Economic diplomacy • Civil society • Emerging technologies www.justsecurity.org/125922/diges...
justsecurity.org
Digest of Recent Articles on Just Security (Dec. 1-5, 2025)
U.S. strikes / Venezuela • Book recommendations • Ethiopia • Trump executive actions • Supreme Court • Economic diplomacy • Civil society • Emerging technologies
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Ryan Goodman @rgoodlaw.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
I believe folks know the important work we're doing at @justsecurity.org, especially in these challenging times. But we made this short video as a reminder! We really need your support this #GivingTuesday. For tax-deductible gifts: justsecurity.org/donate/
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Viola Gienger @violagienger.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
"Vladimir Putin Won’t Win on the Battlefield" "Since January, the Russian military’s territorial gains total nearly 1,900 square miles—or 0.8% of Ukraine, writes Mick Ryan." www.wsj.com/opinion/vlad...
wsj.com
Opinion | Vladimir Putin Won’t Win on the Battlefield
Since January, the Russian military’s territorial gains total nearly 1,900 square miles—or 0.8% of Ukraine, writes Mick Ryan.
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Viola Gienger @violagienger.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
ICYMI, since this US-Russia proposal for #Ukraine still seems to be under discussion, regardless of the provenance, check out the smart analysis from @ambdanfried.bsky.social 👇
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 24/11/2025
As the US masses forces in the Caribbean and threatens #Venezuela’s #Maduro, what happens if Maduro flees, is overthrown, or otherwise loses power? Peter J. Quaranto and Tyler Jess Thompson outline key questions for scenario planning: www.justsecurity.org/125552/trump...
justsecurity.org
Trump Presses for Post-Maduro Venezuela
As the U.S. positions for possible military strikes, it should prepare for looming governance and stability challenges in Venezuela.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 24/11/2025
Trump is investing in the #SouthCaucasus and #CentralAsia, building new trade routes to counter #China and #Russia. Will it pay off? Nino Lezhava on the players in a shifting region: www.justsecurity.org/125271/us-co...
justsecurity.org
U.S. Counters China, Russia in the South Caucasus, Central Asia
How the U.S.-brokered Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal and the TRIPP trade route are reshaping Eurasia’s economic and security alliances.
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Viola Gienger @violagienger.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Smart take on #Bosnia from @kurtbassuener.bsky.social at @justsecurity.org. Check it out. 👇
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Viola Gienger @violagienger.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
In advance of U.N. Security Council meeting Friday, putting the pieces together on this U.S. #sanctions removal for Bosnian separatist leader and #Putin ally Milorad #Dodik. #Bosnia #UNSecurityCouncil
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Viola Gienger @violagienger.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Take a brief break with this tribute to an inspiring dynamo.
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Viola Gienger @violagienger.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
More than 500 examples of virulent anti-Ukraine rhetoric by Russian leaders and associates, documented by Clara Apt at @justsecurity.org. Such a privilege to pair up with her for this updated look at the patterns and what experts say: apparent evidence of genocidal intent.
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Ryan Goodman @rgoodlaw.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
I'm grateful to @60minutes.bsky.social featuring our study published @justsecurity.org. Link to the study (on the 'presumption of regularity'): www.justsecurity.org/120547/presu...
justsecurity.org
The “Presumption of Regularity” in Trump Administration Litigation
Comprehensive study of court cases involving Trump administration and the basis for courts no longer giving a "presumption of regularity."
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Viola Gienger @violagienger.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
Always so cool to read about the MacArthur Foundation's "genius grants" -- 22 of them this year. And kudos to @npr.org and affiliate stations and programs that they had spotlighted at least 10 of these prodigious talents long before. Check it out and be inspired. www.npr.org/2025/10/08/n...
npr.org
Thinkers, dreamers, doers: Here's who made the 2025 MacArthur Fellow list
A cartographer, a composer, a neurobiologist, and a novelist are among the recipients of this year's "Genius Grants." Each Fellow will receive a no-strings attached award of $800,000.
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Anders Schröder @andersschroder.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
The unfamiliar feeling of good news. The people of Moldova defends its pro EU path against unprecedented levels of attempted Russian election interference. www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Pro-EU party in Moldova wins election mired in claims of Russian interference
The vote was seen as critical for Moldova's EU path, and President Maia Sandu warned the country's future was in danger.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 29/09/2025
Legally Available Options in Response to Russia’s Penetrations of NATO Airspace By leading legal expert @mikeschmitt.bsky.social #NATO #RussiaUkraineWar www.justsecurity.org/121527/russi...
justsecurity.org
Legally Available Options in Response to Russia's Penetrations of NATO Airspace
Top legal expert analyzes options for NATO member States to use force in response to Russian intrusions in airspace.
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Claes de Vreese @claesdevreese.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Moldova defeated foreign influence campaigns and chose Europe #democracy www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
theguardian.com
Moldova’s pro-European party on course to retain majority in key election
PAS leads with 46% of vote in ballot that will decide whether country steers closer to EU or Russia
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Princeton University Press @princetonupress.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
@milleridriss.bsky.social talks to @tomjoscelyn.bsky.social about her new book, Man Up, and the role misogyny plays in violent extremism on the @justsecurity.org podcast
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Misogyny’s Role in Violent Extremism
Podcast Episode · The Just Security Podcast · 09/18/2025 · 46m
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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
In today’s #ReadingRussia I look at what the Russian newspapers are saying about ‘victory’…and the country’s economic problems.
youtu.be
The Russian press and the concept of 'victory'
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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Steve Vladeck @stevevladeck.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
#BREAKING: Over the dissents of Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson, #SCOTUS grants (yet another) stay to President Trump—this one allowing him to cease obligating $4 billion in foreign aid funding appropriated by Congress. I’ll post the link when it’s up.
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PEN America @penamerica.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
We condemn the Egyptian authorities' arrest of writer and journalist Ismail Alexandrani for his online expression, and call for his immediate and unconditional release. Alexandrani was questioned about Facebook posts on his account and detained without evidence. bsky.app/profile/peni...
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 17/09/2025
Amid President Trump’s retreat from global institutions, U.S. governors and mayors can serve their communities’ interests by pushing for responsible reform and cushioning the blow of the administration’s policy. From Ayse Kaya and Jon Temin: www.justsecurity.org/120345/trump...
justsecurity.org
Washington’s Multilateral Retreat Creates an Opening for State and Local Leaders
U.S. state and local leaders can fill voids left as the Trump administration cuts and even exits multilateral organizations.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 17/09/2025
Israel’s Sept. 9 strike on Hamas leaders in #Qatar was carried out with only last-minute notice to Washington. The Doha strike raises questions about US credibility with Gulf partners, writes Jesse Marks. www.justsecurity.org/120470/israe...
justsecurity.org
Israel’s Strike on Doha: A Crisis for U.S. Credibility?
Israel's Doha strikes could heighten regional instability, intensify Arab unity against Israel, and chill normalization efforts.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 17/09/2025
Analyzing 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.org
Murder by Drone: The Legal and Moral Stakes of the Caribbean Strikes
If allowed to go unchecked, the Caribbean strikes could encourage additional unlawful executions by the United States and other leaders.
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PEN America @penamerica.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
We join PEN centers in welcoming the release of writers jailed in Belarus. At the same time, we condemn their forced exile and call for their rights to be upheld. Writers still in prison—including Ales Bialiatski, Maksim Znak, and Kaciaryna Andrejeva—must be released. bsky.app/profile/peni...
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George Takei @georgetakei.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
One of the greats has passed. Robert Redford was a celebrated actor, director, and someone who held a mirror up to America. His work will live on, but we Ordinary People will feel The Sting of his loss for years. Rest among the stars now, and when you see heaven, may a River Run Through It.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 16/09/2025
Misogyny drives much of modern extremism, but society has failed to deal with it as a root cause of mass violence, @milleridriss.bsky.social writes In her book Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism, Miller-Idriss tackles the issue head on. www.justsecurity.org/120654/how-m...
justsecurity.org
How Misogyny Fuels Violent Extremism
Taking a closer look at where misogynist beliefs come from can help shed light on the pathways to violence — and how to interrupt them.
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Drea Clark @dreaclark.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Robert Redford was a true movie star and a brilliant director, and at the top of his game he spent his cultural currency to build an institution to foster and support independent film. His dedication to valuing new perspectives and emerging talent will forever inspire me. RIP to a champion.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 16/09/2025
Collection: U.S. Lethal Strikes on Suspected Drug Traffickers Collection of expert analysis on the legality of the U.S. strike on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean, the consequences of the strike, and related issues. www.justsecurity.org/120753/colle...
justsecurity.org
Collection: U.S. Lethal Strikes on Suspected Drug Traffickers
Collection of expert analysis on the legality of the U.S. strike on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean, the consequences of the strike, and related issues.
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PEN America @penamerica.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Journalists and co-founders of Russian Independent Media Archive (RIMA), M. Gessen and Anna Nemzer, joined human rights advocate Yaqiu Wang and PEN America’s Viktorya Vilk to talk about media erasure under authoritarian governments at #PENWorldVoices 2025. Read more: pen.org/what-oversea...
pen.org
Propaganda, Isolation, Censorship, and Entertainment: What Overseas Press Know About the Authoritarian Playbook
Anna Nemzer, M. Gessen, and Yaqiu Wang discuss how media falls victim under authoritarianism, and what America should watch out for.
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Ryan Goodman @rgoodlaw.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
3/ We also document over 35 cases in which judges have criticized the DOJ for providing false information, misrepresentations of facts, and the like. Below are some of the very-strong statements by judges in this category. www.justsecurity.org/120547/presu...
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Ryan Goodman @rgoodlaw.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
With a terrific team, I just published a large study looking at all court cases involving the Trump administration. Shows basis for courts no longer giving a so-called "presumption of regularity" (a legal doctrine involving a strong benefit of the doubt) to the administration. 🧵
justsecurity.org
The “Presumption of Regularity” in Trump Administration Litigation
Comprehensive study of court cases involving Trump administration and the basis for courts no longer giving a "presumption of regularity."
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 02/09/2025
More than 4 years have passed since Kabul fell to the Taliban. For those living in Afghanistan’s diaspora, that time has passed by quickly, @nibrahimi.bsky.social writes. He argues the world should not forget those living under the Taliban’s repressive rule. www.justsecurity.org/119789/time-...
justsecurity.org
Time and Tyranny Under the Taliban in Afghanistan
The clock may seem to tick at the same rate for everyone, but its rhythm is felt differently under the weight of tyranny.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 03/09/2025
NEW: @bcfinucane.bsky.social explains the Trump admin’s extraordinary lethal attack on purported Tren de Aragua drug smuggling vessel in international waters off the Venezuela coast–and its vow that it is the start of a campaign–raise significant legal issues. www.justsecurity.org/119982/legal...
justsecurity.org
Legal Issues Raised by a Lethal U.S. Military Attack in the Caribbean
The Trump administration’s extraordinary lethal attack on this purported smuggling vessel raises significant potential legal issues.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 03/09/2025
Pakistan’s record of gender-based violence exposes the limitations of international law when a State ignores its obligations, writes Mahwish Moazzam. International law must deliver protection with power:  www.justsecurity.org/119947/jirga...  #Pakistan #InternationalLaw #WomensRights
justsecurity.org
Jirgas, Gender Violence, and International Accountability
Jirgas continued operation reflects a political trade-off that prioritizes strategic convenience over women's legal protection.
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Kurt Bassuener @kurtbassuener.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Convicted, legally ousted, but recalcitrant & noncompliant former RS President Milorad Dodik has called #EUFOR Althea, the peace enforcing successor force to #NATO's IFOR/SFOR an "occupation army." He calls on #Russia to cast its veto on renewal in November. This demands a real response. 1/
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