The War on Terror and the Laws of War

Reviews / Votes

In this well-timed revision to the first edition published in 2009, the authors allow the reader to benefit from their unique yet balanced perspectives as they address some of the most pressing issues in the enduring campaign to defeat terrorism insofar as they concern the laws of war. The six authors, all of whom served in some capacity in the Armed Forces of the United States of America (USA), confess not to provide a critical analysis of the official characterisation of the War on Terror as a genuine armed conflict under international humanitarian law. * Ben Stanford, Utrecht Journal of International and European Law * For the second time a seasoned group of scholars with extensive military experience have written a lucid, balanced, and especially valuable analysis of the laws of war in an era of transnational terrorism. I know of no other collection that so effectively and seamlessly blends the rich perspectives drawn from military experience with thoughtful scholarly analysis. From threshold questions of the applicability of the laws of war to detailed examination of targeting, interrogation and treatment, detention and trial, this is a must-read. * William C. Banks, Director, Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism, Board of Advisors Distinguished Professor, Syracuse University College of Law * Issues of targeting, detention, interrogation, and prosecution are among the most pressing and controversial questions in our politics today. Some say the treatment of these topics in the laws of war must evolve in order to account for the changing face of armed conflict, while others argue that the case for new rules has not been made, and in any event disagreement abounds as to when the laws of war apply at all. Unfortunately, we don't often hear the perspective of military practitioners in this debate. This indispensable volume closes that gap, and is a must-read for experts and novices alike. * Professor Robert M. Chesney, University of Texas School of Law, Member of the U.S. Dept. of Justice's Gitmo Task Force * The authors' blend of scholarly perspective with military experience makes the discussion of intricate legal issues relating to the declared 'war on terror' more captivating. * Gentian Zyberi International Law Observer * The best new book you can read on the subject. . . Rarely does one get the chance to read a careful, academic analysis written from the vantage point of scholars with such extensive experience with so many different facets of the subject of their study * Jeffrey Kahn, ConcurringOpinions.com * This book is mandatory reading for both lawyers and policy makers involved in national security. While some people believe international law and the law of armed conflict are irrelevant in conflicts with terrorists that abide by neither, the authors thoughtfully argue that with advancements in applicable law for the law to retain legitimacy, and integration of law, policy, and strategy * we can win, but if we abandon the Rule of Law, we have already lost.Walter B. Huffman, Dean Emeritus and Professor of Law, Texas Tech University School of Law, Major General, U. S. Army, Retired * The passing of 'industrial' wars, for which the basic laws of armed conflict were written, to today's unconventional wars challenges the utility of our force and the legal and moral foundations upon which Americans must fight. The authors elucidate and guide the reader through these complexities with powerful analysis. This is a book for warriors at all levels who have to make the agonizing decisions in the conduct of war. * Lt. Gen. Harry E. "Ed" Soyster, US Army (ret) *