The Iraq War and International Law - Hardcover

...adds exceptionally useful insights about the legal construct of this somewhat sprawling subject. Its authors are a veritable Who's who of experts in International Law, who represent a diverse array of represented countries...This work product is well-written, well-documented, and an excellent resource for authoritative assessments of the daunting issues that will surely extend into at least the next generation of International Law quagmires spawned by the Iraq War. Amercian Society of International Law newsletter issue 39, May 09 As an intellectual signpost this compilation is as stimulating for academics as it is for practitioners. The former will gain a horizon-widening experience through certain landscapes of contemporary ius belli, without the risk of losing themselves in the lofty regions of idealism...The latter may gain more understanding of certain thought-provoking opinions and conclusions, not only in the laws of armed conflict but also those of human rights...A detailed introduction, tables of litigation and cases and a thorough index, complete this interesting compilation. Jan P. P. Ganschow Journal of International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict Volume 22, 2/2009

The decision by the US and UK governments to use military force against Iraq in 2003 and the subsequent occupation and administration of that State, has brought into sharp focus fundamental fault lines in international law. The decision to invade, the conduct of the war and occupation and the mechanisms used to administer the country all challenge the international legal community placing it at a crossroads. When can the use of force be justified? What are the limits of military operations? What strength does international criminal law possess in the face of such interventions? How effective is the international regime of human rights in these circumstances? What role does domestic law have to play? How the law now responds and develops in the light of these matters will be of fundamental global importance for the 21st century and an issue of considerable political and legal concern. This book explores this legal territory by examining a number of issues fundamental to the future direction of international law in the War's aftermath. Consideration is also given to the impact on UK law. Both practical and academic perspectives are taken in order to scrutinise key questions and consider the possible trajectories that international law might now follow.