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IlanHulkower@IlanHulkower

1 hour ago

"The Iranian Arena
Over the past 24 hours, a broad wave of strikes has been carried out across several key locations throughout Iran, including Tehran, Parchin, Kerman, Arak, and Bandar Lengeh. The IDF targeted more than 130 regime infrastructures, including ballistic missile launchers, unmanned aerial vehicles, and air defense systems. In addition, as of March 20 at the time of writing, reports have been received of further strikes in the cities of Yazd, Borazjan, Hormozgan, and Ahvaz.

At the same time, U.S. Central Command announced a targeted strike on a facility for the production and assembly of ballistic missiles in the city of Karaj. According to the statement, the facility was used to assemble missiles that pose a direct threat to American civilians, regional countries, and international trade.

It was also reported that a U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing at an American base in the Middle East after being hit by anti-aircraft fire during a mission over Iran.

Eliminations
Ali Mohammad Naeini, spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was eliminated.
General Afshin Nakshabandi, who served as a representative of Iran’s Armed Forces Headquarters in the Basij organization, was eliminated.
In addition, the IRGC confirmed that in the strike in which Basij commander Gholam Reza Soleimani was eliminated, the organization’s head of intelligence, Esmail Ahmadi, was also eliminated.
According to reports in Iranian media, Mehdi Karishi, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Forces in the Isfahan sector, was also eliminated.

Iran Targeting the Middle East
Over the past 24 hours, a series of attacks and threats by Iran have been reported, alongside responses and interceptions by countries in the region.

In Saudi Arabia, alerts were activated in the capital, Riyadh.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Defense in Abu Dhabi announced that air defense systems intercepted seven ballistic missiles and fifteen unmanned aerial vehicles throughout the day. It was also reported that since the beginning of the war, 334 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,714 UAVs have been launched toward the country, indicating the scale of the ongoing threat.

The UAE State Security apparatus announced that a terrorist network funded and directed by Hezbollah and Iran had been uncovered. Members of the network were arrested after operating under the cover of fictitious commercial activity, with the aim of carrying out subversive actions threatening the country’s economic stability.

It was also noted that additional terror cells linked to Iran have recently been exposed in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian Araghchi conveyed a message to Britain stating that any permission granted to the United States to use its bases for operations against Iran would be regarded by Tehran as a direct act of aggression.

Iraq
Media outlets affiliated with pro-Iranian militias reported that a base belonging to one of the militias in the town of Tuz Khurmatu in central Iraq was attacked on March 19.

The Israeli Arena

On March 19, 19 Iranian attack waves against Israel were identified, carried out using ballistic missiles. This represents an exceptional day in terms of the scale of attacks, with a particularly high number of attack waves compared to the daily average recorded in recent weeks.

Geographically, the attacks were distributed across several regions: 6 attack waves (31.6%) were directed at the Tel Aviv area, 6 (31.6%) at the north, 5 (26.3%) at the Jerusalem area, and 2 (10.5%) at southern Israel.

Since the beginning of the campaign, a total of 300 Iranian attack waves against Israel have been identified. In cumulative geographic distribution, the central region—particularly the Tel Aviv metropolitan area—remains the primary target, with 117 attack waves (39%). It is followed by the south with 70 attack waves (23.3%), the north with 67 (22.3%), and the Jerusalem area with 46 (15.3%).

In one of the attacks targeting the Tel Aviv area, a foreign worker was killed as a result of a strike on a locality in central Israel, once again demonstrating the direct impact on the civilian home front.

An examination of the daily trend indicates that after a period of relative stability in the pace of attacks, averaging around 10 attack waves per day, a sharp increase in activity has been recorded, reflecting a deviation from the established pattern and increased pressure on the Israeli home front.

Since the beginning of the war, 18 civilians in Israel have been killed, and more than 4,002 people have been injured to varying degrees as a result of direct hits, falling interception debris, and secondary damage. In addition, extensive damage has been caused to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, and the ongoing fire continues to disrupt daily life.

The data indicates that Iran continues to combine a focus on central Israel with a broad geographic distribution of attacks, in an effort to expand the threat envelope and maintain sustained pressure across all parts of the country. At the same time, the deviation in the scale of attacks on this day may indicate an attempt to intensify pressure within the framework of a broader strategy of attrition. On March 19, 54 Hezbollah attack waves against Israel were identified. In terms of weapon types, 42 attack waves (approximately 77.8%) were carried out using rockets and missiles, 7 attack waves (approximately 13%) using unmanned aerial vehicles, 3 attacks (approximately 5.6%) using anti-tank missiles, and 2 additional attacks using explosive devices.

Most of the attacks were directed at border communities and the Galilee, alongside continued fire toward other areas in northern Israel. In one of Hezbollah’s attacks, a residential building in the city of Kiryat Shmona was hit, where four civilians were injured.

It also emerges that 18 of the attacks during the day were attacks for which Hezbollah claimed responsibility against IDF forces operating against it in southern Lebanon.

Since Hezbollah joined the fighting on March 2, a total of 668 attack waves against Israel have been identified. An examination of the types of weaponry indicates that rockets and missiles continue to be the primary means of attack, with 474 attack waves, alongside 169 attack waves using unmanned aerial vehicles, 22 attacks using anti-tank missiles, and 3 carried out using explosive devices.

An examination of the daily trend indicates a continued upward trend in the scope of attacks in recent days. After earlier fluctuations, a gradual increase in the number of attack waves has been recorded, reaching a high level of 54 attack waves in a single day—one of the highest levels recorded since the beginning of the fighting. The daily average stands at 37 attacks per day.

Notes: The data refers to the number of identified attack waves, not the total number of munitions actually launched. The data refers to the execution of Hezbollah’s attack attempts and does not address their outcomes (failed launch, munitions falling within Lebanon, interception, or impact). Lebanon and Hezbollah
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized in a holiday speech that Lebanon’s priorities are ending the war, halting destruction and displacement, protecting civilians, ensuring the return of displaced persons, and launching a reconstruction process. He noted that the state did not adopt the “support” decisions for Gaza and Iran, but was forced to bear their consequences, and called for restoring decision-making authority on war and peace exclusively to the state, under the principle of one law, one army, and one authority. He also warned against internal incitement that could lead to escalation and even civil war.

According to reports, President Michel Aoun is promoting a line aimed at opening a negotiation channel and is working to persuade Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to play a central role in providing legitimacy and support for such a move.

In contrast, it was reported that Nabih Berri clarified that negotiations with Israel are not possible at this stage, and that his minimum condition is a return to the November 27, 2024 agreement. It was also noted that Berri maintains ongoing contacts with Hezbollah and Iran. In this context, according to reports, Hezbollah expresses a lack of trust in the “mechanism committee” for implementing the agreement, claiming it is biased in favor of Israel.

General Abbas Ibrahim, former head of Lebanon’s General Security, stated that “Hezbollah’s performance on the military level is very high,” and that “resistance” forces continue to operate on the front line south of the Litani. According to him, Iran will continue to support its allies, and the war will not end without a comprehensive ceasefire across all arenas.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced during his visit to Lebanon that France is doubling its humanitarian aid to Lebanon to 17 million euros. However, according to reports, French mediation efforts to achieve a “holiday truce” (Eid al-Fitr) were unsuccessful, and the visit mainly resulted in expressions of political and moral support.

At the same time, discussions are taking place at the United Nations regarding the continuation of the international force’s operations in southern Lebanon, and the possibility of formulating a new UN Security Council resolution to regulate the international presence in the area is also being considered.

Lebanon’s electricity company announced that the main power substation in al-Sultaniyah in the Bint Jbeil district was put out of service following a strike, affecting electricity supply to a wide area in southern Lebanon.

According to IDF Spokesperson data, since the beginning of the northern campaign, more than 2,000 targets have been struck, including approximately 120 Hezbollah headquarters, more than 100 weapons storage facilities, and over 130 missile launchers. In addition, more than 570 operatives have been eliminated, including about 220 Radwan Force operatives and approximately 150 members of the rocket fire array, alongside senior commanders at various levels.

Ahmad Abdallah, a commander in Hamas’ military wing, died of his wounds after being injured in an Israeli strike in Beirut on March 11.

Syria
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani conveyed a calming message to Lebanon, clarifying that the deployment of Syrian forces along the border is intended solely for defensive purposes against smuggling and security threats, with no intention of invading Lebanon or intervening in its internal affairs.

The Syrian Ministry of Defense reported that border guard forces thwarted an attempt to smuggle weapons into Lebanon in the Jroud Flita area and arrested four suspects, including two Lebanese nationals.

During the night, the IDF struck a headquarters and weapons belonging to the Syrian regime in southern Syria. This followed events on March 19 in which Druze civilians in the al-Suwayda area were attacked by regime forces using rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles. The attack resulted in the killing of nine people and the injury of four. The Druze also claim that regime forces abducted 19 individuals.

In an IDF spokesperson statement, it was said that the IDF will not allow harm to Druze in Syria and will continue to act to protect them, and that the IDF continues to monitor developments in southern Syria.

The International Arena

The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands issued a joint statement on March 19 expressing their willingness to contribute to efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Italy, France, and Germany clarified that they do not intend to provide immediate military assistance, and that any involvement will be considered only after a ceasefire is achieved.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated at the conclusion of the European Union summit that France will not take part in any forced opening of the Strait of Hormuz and expressed hope that an agreed ceasefire between the involved parties can be reached soon.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the need to send a clear message that Europe stands by international law and opposes the current war, which he described as illegal, and called for the advancement of a diplomatic solution.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister accused Israel of dragging the region into an unprecedented war, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in a speech marking Eid al-Fitr, described the Middle East as being in a state of boiling tension and accused Israel of responsibility for large-scale killings. Erdoğan added that, in his view, Israel will pay a price for its actions.

Israel’s ambassador to Russia was summoned for a reprimand meeting on March 20 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow following an Israeli strike in Lebanon near a position of a Russian RT news crew. The strike targeted a bridge over the Litani River and was carried out after prior notification."
https://israel-alma.org/daily-report-the-second-iran-war-march-20-2026-1600/

Again we shall have to wait and see about sustainability. One should always have respect for an adversary and not try to underestimate them

ISRAEL-ALMA.ORG

Daily Report: The Second Iran War – March 20, 2026 (16:00) - Alma Research and Education Center

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Robert Barnes@RobertBarnes

March 20, 2026

The Barnes Brief: Weekend of March 20, 2026

I. INTRODUCTION

**Alert: Amos Miller Special Dinner Fundraiser: https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7756876/1776-law-center-fundraiser-birthday-bash-at-amos-millers

A. Art of the Week

Persepolis: the ancient city of the Achaemenid Empire founded centuries ago by Darius the Great in succession from Cyrus. The Gate of All Nations invites visitors to this 3,000 year old ceremonial city celebrating the power of Persian culture and its echoing effect across the Iranian nation today. The Gate itself integrated the languages of the time — Elamite, Babylonian and Old Persian, with its symbols of strength but solemnity, showcasing power without threat, as the columns facing the public stand the Lamas, mythical legends with the bodies of a bull, the wings of an eagle, and the heads of the human leaders. Such legends still shape much of the Persian mindset to this day.

B. Recommendation of the Week

A unique travelogue on Iran. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/161711.Mirrors_of_the_Unseen

C. Wisdom of the Week

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” Rumi.

D. Appearances

LIVE w/ Tom Woods

https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7780307/tom-woods-interview

LIVE w/ Nina Infinity

II. THE EVIDENCE

*NOTE: A reminder: links are NOT endorsements of the authors or their interpretation of events, but intended to expand our library of understanding as well as expose ideas of distinct perspective to our own.

A. Barnes Library: Curated Weekly Articles

Russiagate lies. https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2026/03/20/fbi_misled_court_to_spy_on_second_trump_campaign_adviser_1171646.html
Democrats lack growth agenda. https://www.liberalpatriot.com/p/democrats-dont-have-a-growth-program
Iran war intent. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/how-iran-sees-war
Hormuz risks. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2026/03/20/solving_the_hormuz_problem_imposing_costs_without_incurring_risk_153960.html
Polling on who benefits from Iran War. https://substack.com/@greenwald/note/c-230246413

*Bonus: The Greeks rescue the pets. https://www.oregonlive.com/nation/2026/03/greece-launches-animal-airlift-to-evacuate-pets-and-owners-from-mideast.html

B. Best of the Board: Five Fantastic Posts of the Week

Board insight on F35. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7782690/this-is-exactly-the-weakness-i-have-been-pointing-out-in-the-f-35-design-for-years-it-uses-what-is
RIP a legend. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7783832/chuck-norris-passed-away-one-of-those-men-you-just-expect-to-live-forever-thank-you-for-all-the-en
Memeatic magic from the OG. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7784089/in-honor-of-chuck-norris
Gas price reports from Europe. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7784098/well-we-have-hit-11-pr-gal-of-diesel-in-noway
Board wisdom. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7782594/thinking-about-jd-vance-s-position-and-last-nights-bwb-comment-that-at-some-point-jd-should-step-a

*Bonus: Magical photography from a board member. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7782916/some-images-from-late-october-and-early-nov-2025-another-outing-with-my-wife-her-spotting-with-bi

C. Homework: Cases of the Week for Sunday

SCOTUS: street preacher win! https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/olivier-city-of-brandon-scotus-opinion.pdf
Joe Kent targeted. https://www.axios.com/2026/03/19/joe-kent-fbi-leak-investigation
Richin verdict. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7779244/summary-of-closing-arguments-in-kouri-richie-trial
DOJ withdraws abortion pill challenge. https://www.nationalreview.com/news/slap-in-the-face-major-pro-life-group-unloads-on-trump-admin-after-doj-moves-to-dismiss-abortion-pill-suits/
Judicial coup against Kennedy. https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/judge-says-hes-ruling-against-rfk-jr-move-to-block-gender-dysphoria-procedures-for-kids-6001419?utm_source=andshare
Judicial coup against Kennedy part 2. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Murphy-vaccine-ruling.pdf
AI plans. https://conservativeladiesofamerica.substack.com/p/nationwide-age-assurance-takes-center?triedRedirect=true
Latest California insanity. https://www.thecollegefix.com/calif-democrats-advance-measure-to-allow-race-based-preferences-in-financial-aid/
Powell plans to usurp Fed further. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2026/03/19/freekevin_153957.html
Afroman wins. https://www.oregonlive.com/nation/2026/03/greece-launches-animal-airlift-to-evacuate-pets-and-owners-from-mideast.html
Trump DOJ sues Harvard over Israel statements. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/justice-department-harvard-antisemitism-complaint.pdf
Campaign disclosure laws. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/american-future-fund-ny-elections-appellant-brief.pdf
Trump AG loses effort to support corporate farming. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/united-states-vs-california-ruling.pdf

*Bonus: Disney settles latest scam. https://courthousenews.com/disney-settles-livestream-subscriber-class-action-for-50-million/

**Bonus: States sue over mergers. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/attorneys-general-nexstar-lawsuit.pdf

***Bonus: Court clerk sues judge over libel & corruption. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/maness-tanner-complaint-political-defamation.pdf

D. Deep Dive: Private Capital Market Risks

Financial system risks. https://goghieas.substack.com/p/is-private-credit-another-2008-not
Liquidity issues. https://romulusstrategy.substack.com/p/the-liquidity-illusion-in-private
Iran war ties. https://matein.substack.com/p/private-credits-meltdown-will-hurt
Roaches exposed. https://eurodollaruniversity.substack.com/p/private-credit-and-the-return-of
2008 echoes. https://discussthetape.substack.com/p/the-butterfly-effect-what-is-really

*Bonus: A 401K/IRA perspective. https://felixprehn.substack.com/p/private-credit-risks-what-us-retirees

III. CLOSING ARGUMENT: Article I, Legislative Immunity

The Constitution affords Congress broad leniency in terms of transparency, internal operations, and immunity from the other branches of government in the exercise of its legislative duties.
First, under Article 1, Section 5, Congress can exempt any of its proceedings from public transparency whenever it “may in their Judgment require secrecy” from the duty to keep and publish the journal of its proceedings.
Second, under Article 1, Section 5, Congress “may determine the Rules of its Proceedings”, “punish members for disorderly Behavior”, and may expel a member “with the Concurrence of two-thirds.”
Third, under Article 1, Section 6, the compensation of members of Congress can be set by them, and must be paid out of the Treasury, prohibiting the power of payment from the executive branch’s control of the Congress. The Twenty-Seventh Amendment, the last amendment to be passed, limits this power to “until an election” has “intervened” between the time of the passage of a compensation law and its enforcement.
Fourth, under Article 1, Section 6, members of Congress are “privileged from arrest during their attendance” and during their transit, except for the limited crimes of Treason and Felony breach of the Peace.
Fifth, under Article 1, Section 6, no member of Congress can be questioned “in any other place” for any of their “speech or debate in either house”, the so-called Speech & Debate clause immunity from libel and slander suits for their speech inside the Chamber.
These privileges intend to afford members of Congress sufficient, but no more than sufficient, immunity from the other branches of government in order to capably, confidently, and competently perform their legislative duties. Of course, it can’t fix the corruptibility, cowardice, or constricted cognitive capacity of Congress.

Read full Article

Robert Barnes@RobertBarnes

March 13, 2026

The Barnes Brief: Weekend of March 13, 2026

I. INTRODUCTION

**Alert: Amos Miller Special Dinner Fundraiser: https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7756876/1776-law-center-fundraiser-birthday-bash-at-amos-millers

A. Art of the Week

From a board member, this photo captures a place I want to someday retreat to — out in the woods, with a wood fireplace inside & out, in a cozy cabin that embraces its surroundings while escaping the busy, busy world of concrete interiors and crowd-field valleys between mountainous walls of sky-rising office towers and condos. A place to be still with nature and within it while outside its colder embrace.

B. Recommendation of the Week

Pat Buchanan warning us three decades ago: America is a Republic, Not an Empire. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/765037.A_Republic_Not_an_Empire

C. Wisdom of the Week

"My apprehension is traceable, too, to a belief that our republic has begun to retrace, step by step, the march of folly that led to the fall of the British and every other great empire.” Pat Buchanan, 1999.

D. Appearances

LIVE on Charlie Kirk Show
LIVE w/ Baris
LIVE w/ Lt. Col. Davis
LIVE Monday on Bracket Breakdown https://sportspicks.locals.com/post/7765283/live-breaking-down-the-brackets-betting-w-barnes-monday-march-16-2026

II. THE EVIDENCE

A. Barnes Library: Curated Weekly Articles

Myth of EU Military. https://eventsinukraine.substack.com/p/eu-weapons-complex-rises
Populists oppose the war. https://x.com/PatrickBashamDI/status/2032186099804651697?s=20
Trouble in private credit markets. https://www.aol.com/veteran-fund-manager-george-noble-093001166.html
Cuba next? https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2026/03/13/cuba-confirms-talks-trump-economic-deal/89132765007/
SAVE Act struggles. https://spectator.com/article/trump-defeat-senate-republicans-save-act/?edition=us&rcp=true

*Bonus: Rescuing sloths.

B. Best of the Board: Five Fantastic Posts of the Week

Tennessee toward top of move-in list. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7764685/title
Truth. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7764970/they-had-a-golden-opportunity-squandered-to-do-the-bidding-of-another-country
Humor. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7764477/been-there
Epstein as global framing. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7765282/title
Mematic truth. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7764927/title

*Bonus: Spooky day. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7765058/title

C. Homework: Cases of the Week for Sunday

Antitrust settlement controversy. https://prospect.org/2026/03/09/live-nation-settlement-spurs-chaos-in-court/
Social media to jury. https://courthousenews.com/landmark-social-media-addiction-trial-heads-to-jury/
Israel lets war criminals walk. https://x.com/TRHLofficial/status/2032256539830972614?s=20
Israel at ICJ. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/united-states-declaration-of-intervention-genocide-in-the-gaza-strip-icj.pdf.pdf
Torture verdict. https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/251043.P.pdf
Judges protect DEI. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/institute-for-applied-ecology-v-burgum-opinion-dei-grants.pdf
Online risks to kids. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/netchoice-vs-bonta-opinion.pdf
Richins murder trial. https://www.fox13now.com/news/crime/kouri-richins-defense-team-surprisingly-rests-case-without-calling-single-witness
Qui Tam win over Pharma fraud. https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/241793.P.pdf
Necessary parties. https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/232316.P.pdf
Trans care mandates. https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/legaldocs/movaokabwva/USA_HEALTH_TRANSGENDER_WESTVIRGINIA.pdf
1st Amendment in schools. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BB-Capistrano-Unified-ninth-circuit-opinion.pdf

*Bonus: Italy court affirms citizenship limits. https://www.cortecostituzionale.it/uploads/release/69b2adc90cb9b.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawQgK8hleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF0UG41c3M1aWhsTHZ4U1lyc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhvXqFDR4BGvMTH3XKnxYxpQ-KxzoZCTGOtJDHeTDemH3z9pPKTgaJtL2dME_aem_rFeIHB6Nrrwte1UJXunMPA

**Bonus: Limits of Anti-SLAPP. https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/Majority%20Opinion%20-%20W2022-01636-SC-R11-CV.pdf

***Bonus: EV Mandate. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/trump-california-ev-mandate-complaint.pdf

D. Deep Dive: Iran War Risks

$50B more for Iran War. https://debtdispatch.substack.com/p/5-reasons-the-us-should-not-spend
Battle of weapons attrition. https://mrandrewfox.substack.com/p/the-iran-war-is-now-an-ammunition
Epic Folly? https://richardhaass.substack.com/p/epic-folly-march-12-2026
China? https://greenwald.substack.com/p/iran-war-supporters-invent-a-new
Nukes? https://sonar21.com/should-iran-build-a-nuke-game-theory-says-yes/

*Bonus: Chess strategy needed. https://fallows.substack.com/p/the-arrogance-of-ignorance

III. CLOSING ARGUMENT: Article I, Defining War Crimes

Two sources in the Constitution provide the power to Congress to define war crimes.
First, Section 8 of Article I provides three separate sources of legislative authority, as Congress is a body of only defined, express powers, not inferred, implicit or broad powers. Article 1, Section 8 provides that Congress “shall have Power” to “define and punish Piracies and Felonies on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations”; “to declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water”; “to make Rules for the government and Regulation of the land and Naval forces.”
Second, the Congress enjoys the power to enforce Treaties. Article VI provides “all Treaties made, and which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land.”
The phrase “the Law of Nations” derives from a popular scholastic legal work in many a library of the Founding generation entitled: The Law of Nations, or Principles of the Law of Nature, Applied to the Conduct and Affairs of Nations and Sovereigns” by Emmerich de Vattel, published in 1758. Today, we know it by another name: international customs and law.
First, Vattel’s Law of Nations recognized war as illegal, and any actions taken in its kinetic course and conduct, as a crime against the law of nations whenever it is fought for reasons other than self-defense and securing essential rights of sovereignty, and even then, only after meaningful sincere diplomatic and peaceful efforts fail. This was colloquially called Just War, influenced by the Catholic intellectual tradition especially.
Second, Vattel’s Law of Nations required moderation, sparing civilians, treating prisoners with humanity, and especially prohibited denying quarter to those who have not violated the laws of war.
The early Congresses recognized their obligations to declare war by authorizing conflict with France, the Barbary pirates, and American tribes on the frontier. Presidents Washington, Adams and Jefferson all recognized their requirement for Congressional authorization to initiate force against foreign adversaries.
The very first Congress also accepted this Constitutional authorization and included the law of nations violations in its first Judiciary Act of 1789. The very first criminal prosecution ever in federal courts enforced these Law of Nations against Gideon Henfield for violating America’s neutrality in the British-French wars at the time. Chief Justice Jay identified the source of law for the prosecution: the Law of Nations, which Congress gave the courts the power to enforce under the Judiciary Act of 1789.
Treaties signed by the President and affirmed by the requisite vote in the Senate governing conduct in kinetic conflicts include: the Geneva Convention; The Hague Conventions; and the Pact of Paris of 1928. Congress codified several of the precepts and principles from these treaties and conventions into federal statutory criminal law, such as section 2441 of Title 18 of the United States Code, which include the death penalty as a possible sentence.
The key criminal prohibitions for grave violations of these treaties and the Law of Nations, include: torture; curly or inhumanity toward anyone in custody or control; biological experiments; and murder, mutilation, maiming, or serious bodily injury in violations of the law of war, including harm to anyone “taking no active part in the hostilities” which include those “out of combat” for any reason, such as the injuries, detained or “any other cause.” The law excludes Antone harmed from “collateral damage” or “lawful attack.”
Thus, the Law of Nations still guides American law, as it has from the founding the of the nation, and expressly referenced within the explicit powers of Congress to enforce, be it by treaty or particular statute, or simply judicial authority to prosecute or punish.

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Robert Barnes@RobertBarnes

March 06, 2026

The Barnes Brief: Weekend of March 6, 2026

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Art of the Week

Roulette wheel, around, around she goes, and where she ends, nobody knows. A line from a film favorite, The Good Thief. Einstein said it could only be beat in infinity, but as the character says in the film — Einstein didn’t believe in luck. The only game of chance I ever care to play, following the wisdom of my former client and old friend, Wesley Snipes: always bet on black. Let luck be a lady, and not abandon us yet.

B. Recommendation of the Week

Now free: War Is A Racket. https://www.heritage-history.com/site/hclass/secret_societies/ebooks/pdf/butler_racket.pdf

C. Wisdom of the Week

“If wars can be started by lies, then peace can be started by truth.” Julian Assange.

D. Appearances

Live w/ Peoples Pundit.
Live w/ the Duran. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7739832/live-w-the-duran

II. THE EVIDENCE

A reminder: links are NOT endorsements of the authors or their interpretation of events, but intended to expand our library of understanding as well as expose ideas of distinct perspective to our own.

A. Barnes Library: Curated Weekly Articles of Interest

Trump kills MAGA. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-iran-war-has-ended-the-trump-coalition/
Corny Cornyn. https://thefederalist.com/2026/03/05/10-times-john-cornyn-betrayed-trump-and-maga/
Divorce Israel. https://prospect.org/2026/03/05/israel-america-alliance-iran-war-trump-rubio-netanyahu/
Bye-bye One-Eyed McCain. https://unherd.com/newsroom/dan-crenshaw-lost-maga-voters-a-long-time-ago/?edition=us
Delusions in Arabia. https://unherd.com/watch-listen/iran-strikes-expose-israels-permanent-war-doctrine/?edition=us

*Bonus: Super Honey. https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/scientists-make-a-super-honey-using-cocoa-bean-waste-for-chocolatey-heart-healthy-jolt/

B. Best of the Board: Five Fantastic Posts of the Week

*Bonus: Chase Hughes truth. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7742399/great-quote-by-chase-hughes

C. Homework: Cases of the Week for Sunday

SCOTUS: Asylum review. https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-777_9ol1.pdf
SCOTUS: State immunity. https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1021_p860.pdf
SCOTUS: Trans disclosures. https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1021_p860.pdf
Massie’s Iran War Resolution. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/38/text
Trump tariffs challenged. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/dem-attorneys-general-sue-trump-tariffs-complaint.pdf
Noem out. https://x.com/lukerosiak/status/2029613423592452409?s=20
9th Circuit affirms Trump on refugees. https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2026/03/05/25-1939.pdf
9th Circuit affirms judicial limits on immigration review. https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2026/03/05/24-4137.pdf
Meta’s not so private glasses. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bartone-vs-meta-complaint.pdf
Tik Tok sale contested. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/public-integrity-project-tiktok-us-assets-sale-lawsuit-dc-circuit.pdf
Win Against DEI. https://www.campusreform.org/article/judge-blocks-california-dei-speech-mandate/29494
Zoning & county authority. https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/Majority%20Opinion%20-%20M2022-01562-SC-R11-CV.pdf.

*Bonus: Psychic fortune telling turns sour. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2026/03/04/professor-accused-murder-tiktoker-awarded-10m

**Bonus: Uber loses. https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2026/03/04/25-228.pdf

***Bonus: Not so honest sleep gummies. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/perkins-procter-ruling-030526.pdf

III. CLOSING ARGUMENT: The SAVE Act Is Constitutional

Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution provides for Congress to regulate Congressional elections, providing that the times, places and manner for holding state rules governing such elections to federal legislative office “may at any time by law” be altered by Congress.
Article IV, Section 2 provides that citizens of each state must be entitled all the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states, while Article IV, Section 4 requires the federal government to”guarantee to every state” a “republican form of government.”
Amendment XIV recognizes “the right to vote” for “citizens of the United States,” with Section 5 giving Congress the power to enforce.
Amendment XV recognizes the “right of citizens of the United States to vote”, again affording Congress the power to enforce.
Amendment XIX recognize again “the right of citizens of the United States to vote” and provides Congress the power to enforce.
Amendment XXIV again reinforces “the right of citizens of the United States to vote” with Congress afforded power to enforce.
Amendment XXVI again reinforces “the right of the citizens of the United States to vote” with Congress empowered to enforce.
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, the so-called SAVE Act, enforces these Constitutional protections and legislative powers.
First, the SAVE Act does not purport to govern anything other than federal elections.
Second, the SAVE Act focuses on limiting voting to “the citizens of the United States” with documentary proof required.
As such, the SAVE Act simply enforces the Constitutional protections for citizens the right to vote by assuring their vote isn’t diluted by non-citizens.

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