Take As Directed

Fabrizio Carboni, head of the ICRC delegation to the US and Canada, speaks to his vast experience in the wars of the past two decades, including the profound impact of 9/11 (2001) in integrating humanitarian action into battlefield strategies—including the targeting of humanitarian operations. Today, almost 25 years later, we are witnessing unrestrained violence, limitless war, and flagrant disregard for International Humanitarian Law. The emotional, psychological dimensions are poorly understood. Political leadership is essential whenever soldiers are asked to respect IHL. The most dangerous moment is when states argue that they are fighting a "survival war" that they believe is exceptional. Does the Trump administration honor IHL or seek a "realist" American First alternative? It is too early to reach a conclusion: "There is no rupture." It is also too early to know how deep cuts in US foreign assistance will impact ICRC and the broader global response to humanitarian crises. ICRC does remain a "soft target