Civil-military relations are essential for maintaining peace and stability in any society. However, there are challenges to these relations, especially in areas where there are existing conflicts or tensions. One way to address these challenges is through deliberate community engagement by military and security forces. Engaging with the local communities to discuss and understand the…
In the 16th year—and third administration—of the US war against al-Qaeda and affiliated forces, questions remain in both policy and law about how the US government will approach the use of lethal force in counterterrorism operations. What is the prognosis for preserving or replacing the Presidential Policy Guidance and related Executive Orders? How will operational decisions…
Despite well-publicized and often unacceptable failures, proposed budget cuts by the United States would undo what good has been done to make UN peacekeepers better able to protect vulnerable civilians.
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) on Monday announced the addition of two staff members in January 2017, as it prepares to expand its operations and mission to improve protection for civilians caught in conflicts around the world. It also created the new position of Senior Military Advisor. Dan Mahanty, formerly of the U.S. Department…
Sahr Muhammedally, senior program manager for the Middle East and Asia, briefed the House of Representative’s Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on Oct 6, 2016, on the humanitarian concerns related to the expected upcoming military operation to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul from the self-styled Islamic State. Her remarks and recommendations on how to better…
By Alex Liffiton, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) On July 1, 2016, President Obama issued an Executive Order (EO) on Pre- and Post-Strike Policies on Civilian Casualties in United States operations using force. Eight days later the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) released their Policy for the Protection of Civilians. The details are similar…
KIRKUK, Iraq—Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), Kurdish Peshmerga, the U.S.-led coalition, and other pro-government forces are all stepping up their planning here in the fight against the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, and Daesh in Arabic. But defeating ISIS also means prioritizing civilian protection before retaking populated areas. Protecting civilians and their…
It took a decade of advocacy and practical progress on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan to get to President Obama’s executive order on the protection of civilians, which was released on July 1. The effort included numerous players including non-governmental organizations and military and government officials—all concerned about the lack of standing civilian harm…
In an historic move on Friday, President Barack Obama issued an executive order which puts civilian protection at the heart of US foreign and military policy for the first time. Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is grateful to the president for this demonstration of American leadership when it comes to protecting civilians at risk…