Virginia Supreme Court Upholds Controversial Adoption of Afghan War Orphan—What Does This Mean for American Justice?

In a case that exposes deep tensions between state courts and federal policies, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled Thursday in favor of a U.S. Marine and his wife, granting them permanent custody of an Afghan war orphan despite the U.S. government's efforts to reunite her with her purported family abroad. This decision concludes years of bitter legal conflict but lays bare uncomfortable questions about sovereignty, rule of law, and America’s moral compass. Is State Law Overstepping Federal Foreign Policy? At its core, this ruling spotlights how state-level courts can override complex international considerations, including foreign policy commitments made under previous...