DoD Law of War Manual updated today. Not sure what it means but interesting…
(lieber.westpoint.edu)
🧐 Research Wanted 🤔
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ChatGPT to summarize the major differences in the old law vs new for 5.5.3:
The major differences between the old law and the new law can be summarized as follows:
Focus on Feasible Precautions: The new law emphasizes taking "feasible precautions" to verify whether the objects of attack are military objectives. Feasibility depends on the context, including time and circumstances. It recognizes that the specific verification measures may vary depending on the type of target and the resources available.
Implementation of the Principle of Distinction: The new law highlights that these feasible precautions to verify targets as military objectives are essential in implementing the principle of distinction, which requires distinguishing between military objectives and protected objects or persons during attacks.
Incorporation of Proportionality: The new law mentions that these verification measures also contribute to implementing the principle of proportionality. By reducing uncertainty in armed conflict, they help avoid attacks that would serve no military purpose.
Specific Examples of Verification Measures: The new law provides specific examples of feasible precautions to verify targets as military objectives. These examples include reviewing accuracy and reliability of information, checking no-strike and sensitive site lists, visual identification through intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms, and issuing communications to elicit reactions.
Recognition of Decision-Makers' Authority: The new law acknowledges that decision-makers, such as commanders, are not prevented from making decisions and taking actions based on their good faith assessment of available information at the speed of relevance, especially in high-intensity conflict situations.
Overall, the new law places greater emphasis on the importance of taking feasible precautions to verify targets as military objectives during attack planning and execution. It provides specific guidelines and examples to help ensure compliance with the principles of distinction and proportionality in armed conflict.