[Poohbah]

The court did not address the plaintiffs' argument that a congressional resolution authorized war with Iraq only with United Nations approval, saying the claim could not be evaluated because war has not started.

Well, let's check the actual text...

SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES.

1. AUTHORIZATION- The President is authorized to use the Armed Forces of the United States as he determines to be necessary and appropriate in order to--
   1. defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq ; and
   2. enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq.
2. PRESIDENTIAL DETERMINATION- In connection with the exercise of the authority granted in subsection (a) to use force the President shall, prior to such exercise or as soon thereafter as may be feasible, but no later than 48 hours after exercising such authority, make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that--
   1. reliance by the United States on further diplomatic or other peaceful means alone either (A) will not adequately protect the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq or (B) is not likely to lead to enforcement of all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq ; and
   2. acting pursuant to this joint resolution is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take the necessary actions against international terrorist and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations, or persons who planned, authorized, committed or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.

I don't see a damn thing that REQUIRES a UN resolution to be passed BEFORE going to war.

[jwalsh07]

Sorry, didn't see that you had posted the authorization.

[edwin hubble]

"2. enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq"

I think this just about covers it, for the fine print.

But we aren't going in because of the U.N., but our own security.

[300winmag]

I don't see a damn thing that REQUIRES a UN resolution to be passed BEFORE going to war.

It must be somewhere in the emanations of the penumbra of the law, which requires special goggles to make visible.

[ysoitanly]

Sorry pal - text be damned - NOTHING happens until Cameroon and Guinea have their say. Take this back now! Plus we've got a call into Haiti... ;)