“It is only the threat of force that has brought the Syrians to this point, a point that they’ve resisted for decades,” says Brookings Institution senior fellow William Galston. “So it is unrealistic to forswear the use of force unless and until an agreement can be reached.” More →

September 13, 2013

“Is there just cause and right intention? Yes, there’s a grave public evil with a chemical weapons attack. But on criteria of last resort, proportional response, probability of success, this strike idea really falls short of the mark.” More →

August 30, 2013

“If Libya is not clearly distinguished by extraordinary violence, then the president’s claim that protecting civilians is the primary purpose of intervening in Libya is very weak indeed.” More →

March 29, 2011

The UN has demanded a cease-fire and authorized military action. What moral considerations underlie international interventon? More →

March 18, 2011

“When mass violence hits a country and tears it apart, it takes a long time for it to repair itself,” says human rights activist Eric Stover. More →

May 14, 2010