ARTICLES

ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE RIFKIND

One of the most pressing issues of the 21st century is whether in international conflict the use of armed force to remove an “unjust” social order makes the world safer. We seem to be trapped in a crude, bipolar choice, in which we use military force to remove an oppressor or we do nothing. … Read More >Alternatives to military intervention: a commando team of mediators

ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE RIFKIND

Prime Minister Cameron’s arguments for going to war sounded rational and convincing on first reading. The reality is much more troubling, and we are at risk of repeating the past failures of Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan. Are western leaders falling into the same traps, as Islamic State (IS) is intent on provoking and expanding the war? … Read More >We need to defeat Islamic State – but how?

Decisions to go to war don’t just analyze whether we can win. That is the easy part: the superiority of the western military machine makes this an absolute. … Read More >Chilcot tells us what we already knew – how do we implement?

Tony Blair told Chilcot Saddam Hussein was, “a man to whom a last chance to do right is just a further opportunity to do wrong. He is blind to reason.” … Read More >Chilcot: all peaceful options were not exhausted

US-led war games may look like a defensive manoeuver to us, but from North Korea‘s perspective they do not look the same. … Read More >What does North Korea want?

Britain needs a different kind of security that looks at the root causes of violence. The need for jobs mustn’t be used to perpetuate the powerful lobby that is the defence industry. … Read More >Job creation would solve one problem with the UK’s burgeoning military-industrial complex

The question now is not only how to respond to recent conflict on the border, but to address the underlying causes that produced these disturbing events. … Read More >Gaza regeneration: we all need dreams for the future

Established in 2002, the Quartet’s mandate was to help mediate a Middle East peace. It has not done very well up until now. … Read More >The deal of the century: any chance of an honest broker?