Iraq’s Short-Lived Membership in the ICC

A while ago, I noted that Iraq had joined the ICC, which was rather surprising given the U.S. govt’s strenuous opposition to the international criminal court. I also noted that no one, except the French government, appeared to notice or care.

Yesterday, however, Iraq announced that it was withdrawing from the ICC (thanks to Allison Danner for the heads up). This withdrawal is just as surprising as its decision to join. I’m sure there is some interesting behind-the-scenes story here, but I am not well-plugged in enough to know what it is.