Trump calls ICC 'illegitimate' after it drops war crimes investigation

But while the court said there was "a reasonable basis" to believe crimes had occurred, judges said Afghanistan's current situation "make the prospects for a successful investigation and prosecution extremely limited".

They also cited the long period that had passed since the investigation began in 2006, and said the court needed to "use its resources prioritising activities that would have better chances to succeed".
What is the ICC?

The court investigates and brings to justice people responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, intervening when national authorities cannot or will not prosecute.

The ICC was established by a UN treaty in 2002, and has been ratified by 123 countries, including the UK.

However, several countries - including China, India, Russia and the US - have refused to join, while some African countries say the court is unfairly focused on Africans.
Why is the US opposed to it?

US administrations have long criticised the ICC, arguing its soldiers could become the subject of political lawsuits.

President Bill Clinton signed the treaty establishing the court before the end of his term in office, but Congress never ratified it.

While the UN at one point gave US troops immunity - after the country threatened to withdraw its troops from peacekeeping in Bosnia - this exemption was cancelled in June 2004, two months after pictures of US troops abusing Iraqi prisoners shocked the world.

Last September National Security Adviser John Bolton threatened the ICC with sanctions if they pursued cases against US citizens.

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