The hottest War Crimes Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

We Are The Villains In This Story

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2966 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. Western governments, especially the United States, act as imperial aggressors whose wars and policies cause widespread death and suffering around the world.
  2. Many people cling to a comforting story that they are the good guys, but propaganda and self-deception hide the calculated motives of power and profit behind that fiction.
  3. Recognizing this truth creates a responsibility to wake up, resist, and work to dismantle the empire for the sake of future generations and those harmed by its violence.

This Is Even Dumber And Crazier Than The Iraq War

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2728 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. The current campaign against Iran is even more reckless and cynical than the Iraq invasion, with leaders often not pretending to have sincere humanitarian or democratic motives.
  2. Those pushing the attack are using obvious lies and atrocity propaganda to justify bombing, aiming to smash the country like Libya and then walk away without rebuilding or stabilizing it.
  3. U.S. imperial leadership has grown openly thuggish and indifferent to public will or international consequences, escalating toward more brutal and chaotic foreign interventions.

Israel Surrenders To The Truth: Admits 70,000 Killed In Gaza

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 714 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. The Israeli military has acknowledged about 70,000 deaths in Gaza, roughly matching the Gaza Health Ministry's count. That figure does not include bodies still under rubble or people who died from disease or malnutrition.
  2. Israel and many of its political and media supporters spent years publicly discrediting the Gaza Health Ministry’s fatality numbers, a campaign that influenced U.S. officials and even congressional and Pentagon restrictions on citing the figures.
  3. Multiple independent organizations, visiting medical witnesses, and leaked Israeli data point to a very high civilian death rate and tactics—heavy bombing, large bombs in dense areas, and shootings at civilians—that raise serious war‑crime concerns likely to be further scrutinized if Gaza is opened fully to journalists.

Australians Being Massacred Shouldn't Bother Us More Than Palestinians Being Massacred

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2998 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. Society and media treat the deaths of Westerners as more significant and memorable than the same number of Palestinian deaths, which normalizes and hides violence against Palestinians.
  2. Tragedies are being exploited to push for censorship, crackdowns, and hardline policies instead of prompting equal concern for all victims.
  3. We need to widen our circle of compassion to care equally about people everywhere, because growing our empathy and moral awareness is essential for a just and sustainable future.

Sorry If This Is Antisemitic But I Think It's Wrong To Train Dogs To Rape Prisoners

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3450 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. Multiple reports and survivor testimonies allege that prison guards trained dogs to sexually assault Palestinian detainees, and these accounts have been circulated by various organizations and journalists.
  2. The alleged practice is widely condemned as deeply evil and morally unacceptable, described as one of the worst kinds of torture.
  3. There is concern that criticizing these alleged atrocities is sometimes labeled antisemitic, sparking debate about where legitimate criticism of state actions ends and prejudice begins.
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Weekend Update #171: The Week Trump Helped Putin Commit Two War Crimes

Phillips’s Newsletter • 253 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. Trump’s public claims about a humanitarian pause helped mask a Russian buildup that enabled two coordinated mass attacks that severely damaged Ukrainian power and heating infrastructure.
  2. The U.S. and Russia look to be negotiating big economic deals without Ukraine’s input, so Europe must demand a seat at the table to avoid being sidelined in decisions about Ukraine’s future.
  3. The claim that India agreed to stop buying Russian oil is false and the joint statements only show vague intentions, so press reports presenting it as a firm pledge were misleading.

Yemen must be the last straw

New Means • 4284 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. Yemen has been enduring bombings and suffering from poverty due to conflict with the involvement of multiple countries.
  2. International laws and principles are being ignored in conflicts like the bombing of Yemen for reasons like shipping delays.
  3. There is a call to build power and organize protests to effect real change and end the cycle of violence and injustice.

Never Forget The Lies They Told About Gaza. Never Forgive Them.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1969 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Crimes
  1. IDF records show that a large majority, over 80%, of those killed in Gaza are civilians, and this number may be higher due to unreported casualties.
  2. Efforts to downplay or deny the suffering in Gaza, like claiming low civilian casualty rates or that starvation isn't happening, have been debunked by independent reports.
  3. The destruction of Palestinian olive trees highlights the ongoing impact on Palestinian identity and livelihood, resembling historical acts of colonial oppression.

The Good Guys

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2211 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Crimes
  1. Some people pretend to be good while doing bad things, like hurting innocent people. It's important to question the stories we hear.
  2. The world can seem chaotic and unfair, with many suffering while others ignore it. We should pay attention to what's really happening around us.
  3. We often distract ourselves with everyday things while serious problems go unnoticed. It's crucial to stay aware and not let ourselves be misled.

When the Devil Is Your Own

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 3854 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. The article explores the horrifying connections between historical events like 9/11 and the more recent 10/7, highlighting themes like corrupt governments, civilian casualties, censorship, and calls for war.
  2. It delves into the notion of collective obligation over collective guilt, emphasizing the importance of truth, morality, and never disregarding another's humanity.
  3. The piece raises concerns about empathy being rationed and retracted based on biases in the context of conflict, urging for a more compassionate and inclusive approach towards understanding global issues.

Against Hankins: You Can't Use Moral Relativism to Claim a Warrior Is "Great" in Any Sense Connoting Admirability

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 215 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
đź’ľ History War Crimes
  1. Using moral relativism to call a warrior "great" because atrocities were "normal then" simply excuses war crimes and is morally dangerous.
  2. Saying conquerors were divinely favored and thus beyond criticism treats violence as sanctified and undermines basic moral and Christian principles.
  3. It’s false that past generations ignored the ethical costs of wartime violence; people then debated actions like firebombing and nukes, so we have standing to judge historic atrocities.

Losing Stanislav: A Ukrainian Tragedy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 236 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. Families of children taken from Ukrainian orphanages face deep uncertainty and fading hope after kids were removed by Russian authorities during the war.
  2. Human rights investigators are doing painstaking work—scrutinizing Russian propaganda videos and matching images to adoption sites—to try to identify and track missing children.
  3. The search for one boy highlights a wider crisis: stolen Ukrainian children are being moved through opaque channels, and legal, political, and informational barriers make reunification increasingly difficult.

None Of These War Criminals Will Face Justice While The US Empire Exists

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2463 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Crimes
  1. Many officials involved in war crimes don't face justice because powerful countries protect them. They often continue their careers without consequences.
  2. Questions about war crimes can lead to disrespectful treatment, even removal from press conferences. The focus is more on the questions being asked than the issues raised.
  3. Real change and justice seem impossible as long as the current power structures exist. The cycle of violence and impunity will continue unless there's a shift in global power.

The American Assault on Yemen is Not New

Pen>Sword • 1038 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. The American assault on Yemen is not a recent development, but has roots in a humanitarian crisis preceding the current events in the Red Sea and Yemen.
  2. Yemen gained global attention when it affected commerce, specifically impacting Israeli revenue in the Red Sea, leading to swift American action against the region.
  3. The United States has played a significant role in sustaining the Yemen war through arms sales, military support, and bombings, contributing to a devastating humanitarian crisis with millions at risk of starvation.

Political Genocide

Diane Francis • 1019 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. South Africa accuses Israel of genocide but ignores serious actions by Russia, Iran, and China that also fit the definition of genocide. This suggests a selective focus in addressing global human rights issues.
  2. Israel was attacked by Hamas and retaliated against them, which does not mean they committed genocide. They took steps to protect civilians, which shows they were acting in self-defense.
  3. Labeling a country that is defending itself from genocide as guilty of genocide is legally confusing and not just, according to legal experts. It's important to differentiate between acts of war and acts of genocide.

Anderson Cooper’s Feigned Indignation at the Idea the U.S. Commits War Crime Shows Primary Ideological Function of U.S. Media

The Column • 1749 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. U.S. media tends to uphold the idea that the U.S. has noble intentions despite evidence of war crimes.
  2. The distinction between murder and manslaughter when evaluating U.S. actions in wars may not be morally significant.
  3. U.S. sanctions and actions can deliberately harm civilians despite claims of good intentions.

The Rules of War

Discourse Blog • 1611 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. Human beings have the capacity for both horrific violence and compassion, and should strive to prevent harm to others in times of conflict.
  2. The Geneva Conventions established rules of war to protect civilians, but these rules have been widely disregarded and broken.
  3. In the face of extreme violence and atrocities in war, it is crucial for individuals to recognize and condemn evil acts, even when committed by powerful entities.

The Worst Thing About The Gaza Holocaust Is Knowing It Will Happen Again

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2072 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Crimes
  1. The death toll in Gaza is rising as bodies are discovered after the fighting. Many people have been trapped for a long time, leading to slow and painful deaths.
  2. The destruction in Gaza is described as intentional, aiming to make the area unlivable and displacing its people due to their ethnicity.
  3. There's a strong belief that the violence in Gaza will happen again, as there are no significant policy changes to prevent it and the U.S. continues to support such actions.

Mug Moscow Now

Diane Francis • 1059 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. Western countries have frozen over $300 billion in Russian assets since the invasion of Ukraine. Some propose using this money to help fund Ukraine's defense and recovery.
  2. While some countries like Belgium are trying to find ways to access these funds, overall efforts have faced obstacles and legal concerns. The belief that Russia would compensate Ukraine after the war is unrealistic.
  3. Enforcing tougher sanctions on Russia, especially on its oil and gas exports, is vital to limit its ability to finance the war. Immediate action is needed to support Ukraine effectively.

Let Yourself Be Shattered By Gaza

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2086 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. People often care more for pets than for suffering children in places like Gaza. This shows a disconnect with real human suffering while prioritizing our comforts.
  2. Being 'shattered' or deeply affected by tragic events can lead to personal growth. It helps us reconnect with our feelings and strengthens our human empathy.
  3. True beauty and understanding can emerge from heartbreak. Experiencing pain can clear our vision and help us appreciate life and nature in a deeper way.

The Persecution of Francesca Albanese

The Chris Hedges Report • 691 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Crimes
  1. Francesca Albanese is a key figure who reports on human rights violations in Palestine. She faces serious backlash, including threats and government sanctions, for her work.
  2. Her recent reports accuse major corporations and institutions of profiting from the suffering of Palestinians. She believes these actions violate international law.
  3. The sanctions against Albanese show a troubling trend where powerful nations avoid accountability for war crimes. This undermines trust in global justice and human rights.

Biden's Legacy Is Genocide, War, And Nuclear Brinkmanship

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2249 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Crimes
  1. Biden's main legacy is marked by war and violence, overshadowing any positive contributions he made during his career.
  2. He has actively supported military actions and failed to pursue peace options in conflicts like Ukraine, increasing the risk of nuclear war.
  3. His administration is seen as enabling severe human rights abuses, especially in the Middle East, which many believe tarnishes his overall reputation.

Today In Imperial Recklessness And Insanity

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2021 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Crimes
  1. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders for war crimes, but similar actions against Western officials have not occurred. This shows a lack of accountability for powerful nations.
  2. There is ongoing criticism of U.S. lawmakers for their inadequate responses to violence in Israel and their support of arms sales, even when these arms are used offensively.
  3. Recent statements from U.S. officials suggest a willingness to protect allies in conflict, raising concerns about a broader disregard for international law and human rights.

Mexico's Worst Narco Massacres

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 707 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. Massacres in Mexico, like the one in Allende, have gone unnoticed for years, revealing a dark history of violence and cover-ups.
  2. Understanding and documenting these massacres is essential not just for legal purposes but also to prevent their repetition and preserve Mexico's historical memory.
  3. Mexico's drug war has resulted in horrific mass killings since 2010, demonstrating the extreme violence and chaos caused by the conflict.

MY LAI, AND ITS OMENS

Seymour Hersh • 58 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
đź’ľ History War Crimes
  1. US soldiers in 1968 killed large numbers of Vietnamese civilians at My Lai and nearby hamlets, and very few people were held accountable for those massacres.
  2. A Pentagon Inspector General study in 1967 found that many troops didn’t understand the Geneva Conventions and some admitted they would mistreat or kill prisoners; that report was rewritten or shelved and not acted on.
  3. The failure to train, enforce, and respond to those warnings helped create conditions for atrocities and cover-ups, highlighting a need for stronger training and accountability in wartime.

Atomic bombing of Japan was not necessary to end WWII. US gov't documents admit it

Geopolitical Economy Report • 697 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
đź’ľ History War Crimes
  1. US government documents admit that the atomic bombing of Japan in WWII was not necessary
  2. The decision to use nuclear weapons against Japan was aimed politically at the Soviet Union, rather than solely to end the war with Japan
  3. Many top US military officials, like General Eisenhower, opposed the use of atomic bombs on Japan, suggesting it was unnecessary and could have been avoided

Are War Crimes and Ranged Fires The Future Of War?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 117 implied HN points • 07 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. The future of war may involve increased use of long-range weapons, making clear battlefields less relevant.
  2. Countries seem to be more willing to commit war crimes while using these weapons, showing a troubling trend.
  3. This shift in warfare is visible from major countries like the USA and Russia and might lead to more targeting of non-combatants.

Putin's Ethnic Cleansing

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Putin, accusing him of war crimes related to the kidnapping and abuse of Ukrainian children. This severely damages his reputation and complicates Russia's relationship with China.
  2. Evidence shows that Russia has committed genocide by forcibly deporting and adopting Ukrainian children without consent. This has caused immense suffering for families and has been documented as a violation of international law.
  3. Negotiating with Putin is deemed impossible because attempts at peace would allow him to retain stolen territories. The situation reflects a larger narrative of unchecked aggression and violence against innocent civilians.

Assange, Gaza, And The Ugly Reality Of War Crimes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1792 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. The post discusses the gruesome reality of war crimes, portraying them as cruel and brutal power abuses against civilians.
  2. Journalists play a crucial role in documenting and exposing war crimes, highlighting the importance of press freedom.
  3. The article emphasizes the potential consequences of extraditing journalists like Julian Assange, setting a dangerous precedent for press freedom worldwide.

Dick Cheney Is Why Donald Trump Must Face Consequences

JoeWrote • 73 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Crimes
  1. The wars after 9/11 have caused immense suffering, with many lives lost and countless others affected by trauma and hardship.
  2. Dick Cheney played a key role in pushing for the Iraq War, which many argue was not a mistake but a deliberate act that has led to further violence and instability.
  3. For America to change its reckless path, it's essential that those responsible for war crimes, like Cheney, face consequences for their actions.

A Tale of Two Peters

Gideon's Substack • 54 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Crimes
  1. Hegseth and Beinart both think that being powerful means being unethical, which is not true. Power can be used responsibly without sacrificing ethics.
  2. Making unethical decisions in the military can drive away good, honorable people, ultimately weakening the military itself. Honor and ethics are vital for a strong and effective military.
  3. Beinart's recent actions show a dangerous trend where individuals abandon their own judgment to follow group think, which can harm their personal power and effectiveness.

The Nazi of Damascus

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 575 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. Alois Brunner, a top Nazi war criminal, lived in Syria for many years and advised the Assad regime.
  2. Brunner helped develop the oppressive police state in Syria, using advanced interrogation and torture methods.
  3. His involvement shows a dark connection between past and present atrocities committed by the Assad regime.

Pre-Kilimanjaro Take 2

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture War Crimes
  1. Sexual violence is a huge problem that happens in many places, including war zones and homes. It's important to understand how and why it occurs to effectively respond to it.
  2. Rape is often used as a weapon of war, showing a disturbing connection between violence and control over populations. This problem goes beyond geography and also affects peaceful countries.
  3. Everyone can help combat sexual violence by speaking out, supporting victims, and teaching respect. Men have a crucial role in changing the conversation around women's rights and fighting against these issues.

Love or rehab of Justin Trudeau's complicity in the genocide in Gaza.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. The corporate music industry pushes marketable white female pop stars over talented Black artists, using misogynistic tactics and even pressuring cosmetic changes to fit a manufactured image.
  2. Justin Trudeau is accused of complicity in atrocities in Gaza and Ukraine, and attempts to rehabilitate his public image through celebrity appearances are seen as cynical and unacceptable.
  3. Western political and media elites are blamed for enabling war, human rights abuses, and betraying public trust, and there is a strong call for accountability to stop further harm and restore moral standing.

A textbook war crime in Jenin

Matthew's Notebook • 137 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. Israeli forces shot patients in a hospital in Jenin, claiming they were enemy combatants, violating the laws of war.
  2. The Geneva Conventions were written to protect injured soldiers' right to medical care in war.
  3. Disguising soldiers as medical staff and attacking hospitals are recognized as war crimes.

Adjudicating War is Hard

Pieter’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings can have complex outcomes with both parties claiming victories.
  2. The ICJ provides a platform for countries to address atrocities and grievances, even if compliance and effectiveness can be limited.
  3. Legal actions against countries for war crimes can have political motivations and use the ICJ as a tool, even if actual compliance is questionable.

JOHNSTONE February Issue: Exposing The Ugly Reality Of War Crimes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 554 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics War Crimes
  1. The February edition of JOHNSTONE focuses on exposing the reality of war crimes, specifically looking at the destruction in Gaza and the situation of Julian Assange.
  2. The post highlights how the western empire has hidden its depravity regarding war crimes and emphasizes the importance of unmasking such atrocities through journalism.
  3. The issue addresses various topics such as the complicity of supporting Israel, the struggle in distinguishing propaganda from truth, and the critical need to confront the crimes of the empire openly.