Use of Force, and International Humanitarian Law

Stimulated by allegations made in an Italian television documentary,[1] a worldwide controversy has developed concerning the use of white phosphorus (WP) munitions by U.S. military forces during the assault on Fallujah, Iraq in November 2004. An important part of the controversy involves accusations that the use of WP munitions in Fallujah violated international law. This Insight examines the international legal aspects of the use of WP munitions by U.S. military forces in Iraq.

 

Background to the Controversy

 

Introduction

 

Victims of hurricane Katrina are internally displaced persons, not refugees

The bombings of three trains in the London Underground (subway) system and of one London bus on July 7, 2005, have been denounced as terrorist attacks by world leaders and reported as terrorism by the media. Although there is still no all-encompassing definition of terrorism that is universally recognized in international law, it is apparent that these bombings would qualify legally as terrorism and that there are international ramifications.