A FLARE OVER THE REPUBLIC: THE STRATEGIC AND CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS AT DAY 60

This is not a theoretical debate. McRaven’s warning was issued in direct response to the administration’s “no quarter, no mercy” rhetoric and floating suggestions of strikes on civilian infrastructure, such as bridges and power stations.

• The Legal Line: Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and the Geneva Conventions, deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure with no clear military necessity is a war crime.

• Individual Responsibility: Clinton emphasized that the “I was just following orders” defense died at Nuremberg. A captain or major who carries out a strike on a civilian target is personally liable under international and American law.

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