Congress' craven approach toward the war on ISIS

It was not so long ago that lawmakers were demanding congressional approval of airstrikes. Now all we hear are crickets.

Obama's on his own
(Image credit: (Getty/Win McNamee))

A year ago this month, President Obama announced his intention to launch military strikes against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who had crossed a "red line" by using chemical weapons against his own people. There was just one hitch: Congress, which is the only branch of government with the authority to declare war, would have to approve the operation first. "While I believe I have the authority to carry out this action without specific congressional authorization," Obama said, "our country will be stronger if we take this course."

Many politicians at the time agreed. Many, in fact, had criticized Obama for launching unilateral strikes against the regime of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The criticism came from both sides of the aisle, larded with proclamations about preserving the integrity of the Constitution. "When there is no imminent threat to our country, he cannot launch strikes without authorization from the American people, through our elected representatives in Congress," said Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.), speaking for many. "No United Nations resolution or congressional act permits the president to circumvent the Constitution."

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Ryu Spaeth

Ryu Spaeth is deputy editor at TheWeek.com. Follow him on Twitter.