Essays & Commentary
If Israel Is ‘Sportswashing,’ Why Isn’t That Standard Applied to the World Cup?
Activists have long argued against sportswashing violations of human rights. So what about soccer’s World Cup kicking off this week in the US, Canada, and Mexico?
How ‘Occupation’ and ‘Genocide’ Became Justifications for Violence
Palestinian militants and many of their supporters have transformed legal concepts such as occupation and genocide into what amount to moral permission slips.
Human Rights Watch Says Cluster Munitions Aren’t Worth the Risk. But Whose Risk Is It?
Human Rights Watch points out the dangers of cluster munitions. But are they better suited to decide on the relative risks than the government of Ukraine?
Why Giving Israel Defensive Weapons Is Completely Justified Under Humanitarian Law
Does providing Israel with Iron Dome make other countries liable for potential violations of international law—or does protecting civilians remain justified regardless of Israel’s conduct?
Introducing Shalzed
Shalzed came to Earth from his war-torn planet believing human rights were the key to peace. Instead, he’s shocked to find them being weaponized in ways that deepen the very conflicts they were meant to solve.
Introducing Shalzed
Shalzed came to Earth from his war-torn planet believing human rights were the key to peace. Instead, he’s shocked to find them being weaponized in ways that deepen the very conflicts they were meant to solve.
Trusting AI On the Dangers of AI
“Why don’t humans have rules that every powerful new invention has to be thoroughly tested before anyone can release it?”
I shook my head. “Because that’s just not the way it works.”
Shalzed Asks Why 500 People Are Being Tried At Once
To villagers, Bukele is a hero.
To human rights groups, he is a villain who laws that deny accused criminals their most basic rights.
I Put the Dishes in the Microwave. Then Shalzed Asked About Nukes
Why do we trust some countries with nuclear weapons, but not others?
I told Shalzed it was just tough talk about the war. Then he surprised me. . .
I tried to explain that Hegseth probably didn’t mean literally what he said at the press conference. Then Shalzed asked why I don’t give our enemies the same benefit of the doubt.