“Lawfare Project (LP) claim: ‘The abuse of the law and legal systems (is used) for strategic or military ends.’ Fact Check …. International law is clear and unequivocal. The UN Charter explains under what conditions violence and coercion by one state against another are justified. Article 2(3) and Article 33(1) require peaceful settlement of international disputes. Article 2(4) prohibits force or its threatened use, and Article 51 allows the ‘right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member …. until the Security Council has taken measures to maintain international peace and security.’ In other words, justifiable self-defense is permitted, and Articles 2(3), 2(4), and 33(1) absolutely prohibit all unilateral threats or use of force not allowed under Article 51 or authorized by the Security Council. Even then, under Fourth Geneva, civilians are ‘protected persons’ off-limits to attack. Doing it is a war crime.” (03/19/10)