The Constitution gives the President wide powers over foreign affairs, powers which the President typically exercises through his Secretary of State.

Recently our current Secretary, John Kerry, made a momentous announcement with far-ranging legal and political implications: ISIS is committing genocide. And it is committing genocide not only against Muslims, but against Christians and other groups, such as the Yazidi people, who practice a faith that incorporates elements of both Christianity and other religious traditions.

Attorney Ian Speir, who specializes in representing religious organizations, was one of the authors of a detailed report that prompted Kerry to make his declaration. Ian tells us the story and discusses the legal and political implications of genocide.