Today's Headlines and Commentary

German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned a series of anti-immigrant protests across eastern German cities on Wednesday, according to the Wall Street Journal. Several of the protests turned violent, with participants displaying illegal Nazi symbols and chasing people who did not look traditionally Germanic. The protests were held in response to the killing of a German man by a Syrian and an Iraqi in August.

Lawmakers in Germany have accused the country’s domestic-intelligence chief of downplaying the threat of far-right violence in Germany, reports the New York Times. Two parliamentary committees summoned Hans-George Maaseen to explain in closed session a comment he made questioning the authenticity of a video showing an individual being chased down at an anti-immigrant protest. The Times says there have been calls for his resignation among politicians and pundits in Germany.

The number of detained migrant children in the U.S. has reached a new record high, increasing fivefold since summer 2017 to reach 12,800 this month, reports the Times. This rapid increase in the detainee population is caused by fewer released children rather than by a sudden influx of newcomers.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will acknowledge its military’s use of systemic torture during the Algerian War in the mid-20th century, according to the Washington Post.

A Pussy Riot activist was taken to a hospital in Moscow on Tuesday after a suspected poisoning, says the Post. Pyotr Verzilov, partner of Pussy Riot member Veronika Nikulshina, reportedly lost his ability to speak and see and remains in serious condition.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki met at the Ethiopia-Eritrea border to formally open a crossing on Tuesday, reports the Journal, marking the first time since war broke out in 1998 that direct road transport between the neighboring countries has been allowed.

Yesterday on Lawfare

Mikhaila Fogel posted the text of Andrew Miller’s brief before the D.C. Circuit challenging Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s authority to subpoena him.

Paul Rosenzweig posted an excerpt of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recent report on election security.

Daniel Byman assessed the likelihood of a third intifada, and how rising tensions between Israel and Palestine have lead to the deterioration of peace talks.

Mieke Eoyang, Ben Freeman, Ryan Pougiales and Benjamin Wittes posted the results of a series of August polls concerning public confidence in government institutions on national-security matters.

Bob Bauer analyzed the anonymous New York Times op-ed by a senior Trump administration official and the legal, ethical, and constitutional implications of vigilante resistance within government.

David Bosco flagged the lack of response of four key states (Poland, Lithuania, Romania, and Afghanistan) to national security adviser John Bolton’s speech denouncing the International Criminal Court—and the treacherous position they are in.

Jen Patja Howell posted this week’s episode of Rational Security addressing Bolton’s speech on the ICC, possible Russian involvement in mysterious illnesses at U.S. diplomatic facilities, and meeting between Trump administration officials and Venezuelan coup plotters.

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