Number: RS21314
Title: International Law and the Preemptive Use of Force Against Iraq
Authors: David M. Ackerman, American Law Division 
Abstract: On March 19, 2003, the United States, aided by Great Britain and Australia, initiated a military invasion of Iraq. Both the U.S. and Great Britain contended that they had sufficient legal authority to use force against Iraq pursuant to Security Council resolutions. But Prsident Bush also contended that, given the nature and type of threat posed by Iraq, the U.S. had a legal right to use force in the exercise of its inherent right of self defense, recognized in Article 51 of the UN Charter. Given that the U.S. had not previously been attacked by Iraq, that contention raised questions about the permissible scope of the preemptive use of force under international law. This report examines that issues as developed in customary international law and under the United Nations Charter.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated April 11, 2003