The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) coordinates the world's largest private relief system for conflict situations. Yet despite its very important role, operations remain mysterious and secretive. This book examines the ICRC from mid-nineteenth century origins to the present. Taking international humanitarian law into consideration, David Forsythe focuses on the policy making and field work of the ICRC. He explores how it exercises its independence impartially to protect prisoners in Iraq, displaced and starving civilians in Somalia, and families separated by conflict in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.