Limited Accountability: A transparency audit of the anti-ISIL Coalition

Airwars

12 December 2016

This Airwars study for the Remote Control Project explores transparency and accountability issues within the US-led Coalition. It is based partly on in-depth briefings from senior officials from four sample belligerents (the US, Canada, the UK and Denmark) – and in part on two years of extensive Airwars modelling of the war
against ISIL.

The report aims not only to provide a detailed understanding of how such ad hoc coalitions work – but also to identify transparency and accountability good practice for belligerents, and to offer policy recommendations for future airpower-based conflicts.

Image credit: Wikimedia.

About the Authors

Airwars is a collaborative, not-for-profit transparency project monitoring and assessing civilian casualties from international airstrikes in Iraq, Syria and Libya. It seeks transparency and accountability from belligerents, while advocating on behalf of affected civilians. Airwars also archives all open-source reports of civilian casualties, and military claims by nations. With thirteen Coalition allies active in Iraq or Syria – along with the Iraq government, Russia, Iran and the Assad regime – there is a pressing public interest need for independent, trustworthy public analysis.

Latest

Event: Is Remote Warfare Working?

We are putting together a fantastic panel to discuss the political, legal, and military implications of this approach to warfare, followed by a lively Q&A session and wine reception. Mon, September 17, 2018 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Recruitment of New Trustees

Oxford Research Group (ORG) expects to appoint additional Trustees in the second half of 2018. Our initial focus is on recruiting a trustee with specific skills and experience in human resources management. Trustees are company directors and members of the Board of Trustees. They serve three-year terms, renewable.
Are Negotiations with al Qaeda or the Islamic State Possible?

Flawed assumptions have prevented theorizing about negotiations with al Qaeda and the Islamic State. It is time to consider whether dialogue may be possible.
The Cost of Intelligence Sharing and the Value of Transparency

When it comes to transparency over the costs of the UK’s intelligence support to partners in conflict, there is still a lot to be done when it comes to ensuring that there can be effective scrutiny and government accountability for these actions.

Event: Is Remote Warfare Working?

We are putting together a fantastic panel to discuss the political, legal, and military implications of this approach to warfare, followed by a lively Q&A session and wine reception. Mon, September 17, 2018 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
The Cost of Intelligence Sharing and the Value of Transparency

When it comes to transparency over the costs of the UK’s intelligence support to partners in conflict, there is still a lot to be done when it comes to ensuring that there can be effective scrutiny and government accountability for these actions.
The True Cost of Drone Warfare?

At a time when the defence sector is under increasing pressure to demonstrate value for money, the ambiguity surrounding the true costs of the UK's drone programme is troubling.
The True Cost of Special Forces?

In an era where defence is under increasing pressure to demonstrate value for money, the continuing opacity of special forces budgets restricts any meaningful analysis of this assumption.
Emily Knowles at APPG Event

Emily Knowles, RWP Director, recently joined a distinguished panel at an APPG parliamentary event to discuss the importance of ensuring all countries adhere to and support international law.
Remote Warfare: Lessons Learned from Contemporary Theatres

This report is a first attempt to identify some of the factors that have helped or hindered the UK’s current approach to remote warfare.
Defining Remote Warfare: British Training and Assistance Programmes in Yemen, 2004-2015

Between 2004-2015 Britain engaged in capacity building operations across Yemen’s police, military, and intelligence agencies. This briefing seeks to provide a critical review of these efforts, their successes, and the causes of their ultimate failure, in order to identify lessons for future training and assistance missions.
Out from the shadows: the case for external oversight of UK Special Forces

By downplaying the benefits of opening UKSF to external scrutiny, the UK government places itself at a strategic disadvantage that devalues lessons learned exercises that could otherwise be incorporated into improving future military effectiveness.
PS21 Event: Changing Face of Conflict

At the second instalment of PS21's ‘Changing Face of Conflict’ series, a panel of experts considered the future of warfare. The discussion included cyber warfare, the limits of military force, policing in Karachi and the lack of long-term strategies.
Lawful But Awful? Legal and political challenges of remote warfare and working with partners

This report examines the political and legal implications of working with local partners to wage remote warfare.

The Role of Youth in Peacebuilding Challenges and Opportunities

Young people are frequently ‘othered’ in discussions about conflict. This is a dangerous practice as youths can play a very positive role aiding peacebuilding in societies recovering from conflict.
Remote Warfare: Lessons Learned from Contemporary Theatres

This report is a first attempt to identify some of the factors that have helped or hindered the UK’s current approach to remote warfare.
The True Cost of Special Forces?

In an era where defence is under increasing pressure to demonstrate value for money, the continuing opacity of special forces budgets restricts any meaningful analysis of this assumption.
The Kim/Trump Summit and Implications for Iran

Trump’s esoteric approach to diplomacy produced surprising outcomes at his June summit with Kim Jong-Un in Singapore. In response, Iranian hardliners have made a surprising move on ballistic missiles, potentially signalling that they fancy their chances in bilateral negotiations with the great American deal-maker.
ORG's Vision

Oxford Research Group (ORG) is an independent organisation that has been influential for over 35 years in pioneering new, more strategic approaches to security and peacebuilding. Based in London since 2006, ORG continues to pursue cutting edge research and advocacy in the United Kingdom and abroad while managing innovative peacebuilding projects in several Middle Eastern countries.
Weavers of Peace: The Higaonon Tribe in the Philippines

The Higaonon, an indigenous tribe in Northern Mindanao in the southern Philippines, have preserved an ancient system of conflict resolution which has enabled them to be a truly peaceful community. However, there is a need to ensure that this knowledge is not lost in the future.
The UK and UN Peace Operations: A Case for Greater Engagement

This report supports an enhanced role for Britain in UN peace operations and sets out a case for greater engagement.
Making Bad Economies: The Poverty of Mexican Drug Cartels

Some stories say that local economies benefit from cartels in Mexico. But research suggests that the areas most plagued by drug-related violence have seriously suffered economically.
Defining Remote Warfare: British Training and Assistance Programmes in Yemen, 2004-2015

Between 2004-2015 Britain engaged in capacity building operations across Yemen’s police, military, and intelligence agencies. This briefing seeks to provide a critical review of these efforts, their successes, and the causes of their ultimate failure, in order to identify lessons for future training and assistance missions.
A Tale of Two Puzzles: Accounting for Military and Climate Change Expenditures

This research paper by Oliver Scanlan, ORG's Climate Fellow, examines the discrepancies between the UK Government’s military expenditures and its direct outlays on climate change mitigation and adaptation, both at home and abroad.