Before, or after, Tripoli declared war on us... Considering the Barbary coast was up to this crap before TJ took office, that question answers itself. Sending in the Navy to face a declared enemy is entirely commensurate with Executive duties.
Saddam Hussein's Iraq fired on our aircraft and systematically violated the ceasefire agreement, both of which constitute acts of war.
Yes. I know. Which is why we were justified in going back in and kicking his ass. My main disapprobations there revolving around using UN mandates and "WMD's" as justification when it wasn't needed. Fighting this as a "police action", when it clearly still required overt military destruction has extended this conflict far beyond what was really necessary.That, in and of itself, is not enough reason to pull out before the job is done though. Hence my disgust at Ron Paul standing up there with pacifist commies like Kookcinich.
Does that mean Thomas Jefferson and James Madison's actions in North Africa were also illegal?
You seem to be under a few misconceptions. Catch back up with me after you figure out which side of the war I'm on.