US sanctions against ICC to take effect in six months, The Hague hopes for European unity and diplomacy

The United States has unveiled its most far-reaching sanctions yet against the International Criminal Court, targeting the Hague-based institution as a whole. Yet in diplomatic circles in The Hague, one detail is being treated as a rare glimmer of hope: the measures will not take effect for six months. Dutch ministers now hope that window can be used to avert a confrontation that could severely disrupt the Court's operations and strain transatlantic relations.