Posted on 03/21/2011 1:58:59 PM PDT by Beaten Valve
The lack of clarity surrounding the mission ordered by Obama in Libya has triggered criticism from both parties, with Republicans demanding that he clarify its aims and some Democrats insisting that the President was Constitutionally required to seek Congressional authorization before ordering the invasion.
Obama has now sent a letter to leaders of Congress defining the mission, in keeping with the War Powers Resolution of 1973 requiring a report to Congress within 48 hours of commencing military action, and it contains rebuttals of both lines of criticism.
Obama is taking criticism from the right for failing to articulate “regime change” as a goal of the mission. But his letter to Congressional leaders unapologetically sticks to the narrower definition of the mission as tailored to halting violence and preventing a humanitarian disaster:
These strikes will be limited in their nature, duration, and scope. Their purpose is to support an international coalition as it takes all necessary measures to enforce the terms of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973. These limited U.S. actions will set the stage for further action by other coalition partners...
United States forces are conducting a limited and well-defined mission in support of international efforts to protect civilians and prevent a humanitarian disaster. Accordingly, U.S. forces have targeted the Qadhafi regime’s air defense systems, command and control structures, and other capabilities of Qadhafi’s armed forces used to attack civilians and civilian populated areas. We will seek a rapid, but responsible, transition of operations to coalition, regional, or international organizations that are postured to continue activities as may be necessary to realize the objectives of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Who wrote this? Holder?
Probably by his new Jew-hating lapdog, Samantha Powers.
Probably Holder...it’s hard to write clearly with those
short little pencils they give out at the golf courses.
“Perhaps more interesting is a little nugget buried in the letter that implicitly justifies launching this invasion without Congressional authorization:
Qadhafi’s continued attacks and threats against civilians and civilian populated areas are of grave concern to neighboring Arab nations and, as expressly stated in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, constitute a threat to the region and to international peace and security. His illegitimate use of force not only is causing the deaths of substantial numbers of civilians among his own people, but also is forcing many others to flee to neighboring countries, thereby destabilizing the peace and security of the region. Left unaddressed, the growing instability in Libya could ignite wider instability in the Middle East, with dangerous consequences to the national security interests of the United States.
Note the mention of the “consequences to the national security interests of the United States.” Some Dems are arguing that Obama needs Congressional authorization under the War Powers Resolution, which only allows the President to initiate military action without Congress if America is under attack or under serious threat.
Indeed, Dennis Kucinich is citing this quote from Obama himself back in 2007: “The President does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation.” Obama’s insistence that our national security is at stake if Gaddafi is not repelled by force tacitly asserts the President’s authority to invade without Congressional authorization. Full letter from Obama after the jump.”
That was my first guess as well.
The UN has specific parameters to this so called mission.
Acording to reports, the “coalition” has already violated those parameters.
According to a Former CIA guy. There has to boots on the ground. The rockets are laser guided. Suppose to be ONLY “No Fly Zone”.
Zero is so incompetent, unqualified, and just plain clueless as to how the military works.
NOW will everyone get behind bringing our troops home from the THREE WARS we are now involved in?
America’s laws have turned topsy turvy.
Obama SHOULD have gone to Congress for authorization to use military force BEFORE attacking Libya.
What’s happened is he BY-PASSED congress and then explains what he’s doing AFTER he joins the attack.
If this isn’t grounds for impeachment I don’t know what is.
Who explained it to him?
Obama has no moral authority to execute military offensives of any kind... commander in chief my ass... he has no concept nor any real concern regarding the consequences, he has no understanding of the value of the USA in a world of wretchedness... he’s as a schoolboy playing with little tin soldiers...
His plan is to defend muslims from being killed by other muslims while he does nothing to defend Christians from being killed by muslims or Jews from being killed by muslims.
Congress should immediately stop any funding for Lybian Missions.
Dear Congress,
“We’re not going after Khadaffi, but we did. Or should I say [someone did]. He needs to step down, but not so much anymore. Because someone shot at the building, but he’s not in there, we don’t think. However Nic Roberts of CNN is, we just found out. The No Fly Zone will also attack tanks and armament, although its just a No Fly Zone, as approved by the League of Arab Nations, my friends. Now, they’re mad. Much of this confusion is due to overlapping nations taking control of the mission. Such as — Quatar, France, Great Britain, and to a lesser degree, Canada. Although they take control next Tuesday. Exactly who and where we bomb, is in the hands of these other nations. Not us. If there are any questions, refer them to Golf Paradisia De Brazil.”
Now it’s war in Africa. 1st half last century, we fought in Europe, 2nd half in Asia, this century in Islam land, now Africa. Keep it up Uncle Sam and we will become another England.
We have reached the point where more objections are raised in providing money for American citizens than money for the rest of the world.
Isn't this just incredible ?
The exact same thing Bush said about Saddam Hussein.
Almost word for word.
In political terms, it’s interesting to see Obama in trouble with his left wing base again.
And you wonder what is our goal, our end game, our “exit strategy” in Libya. Just having a UN no fly zone could theoretically leave Qadafi (sp?) in power. If our actions lead to his downfall, who then takes over? Some say these rebels are allies of Al Qaeda. It’s possible Libya would still be a threat to world peace if the rebels overthrow the government.
And you wonder about us getting involved in a Libyan civil war, in which both sides arguably are the “bad guys”.
Was Obama compelled to act just because of a UN resolution? Did he think through our own national interest, the risks involved, etc????
What’s happened is he BY-PASSED congress and then explains what he’s doing AFTER he joins the attack
He has 48 hours to report to congress. So you have to look at the time the military received it’s order of battle and the time the first congress critter received his e-mail.
Had to bypass to see what was in it.
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