The Congress shall have the power… To declare War.
U.S. Constitution: Article I, Section 8
For the second time already this year, the United States military has launched a major operation which removed a foreign leader from power. On January 3rd, the U.S. Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who now is in the United States awaiting trial. Now, on February 28th, the U.S. launched strikes into Iran killing their supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.
I invite civil, bipartisan discussion on this post.
The Maduro regime was not considered by the United States to be legitimately elected, a position made clear by the Biden Administration when they sanctioned Maduro and many of his associates and even offering a $25 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
Military operations in Venezuela should have been authorized by Congress.
Iran has long had tensions with the United States, have been behind a lot of strikes on U.S. forces and allies in the middle east, and have killed thousands of their own citizens who have been protesting the authoritarian government.
Military operations in Iran should have been authorized by Congress.
Many republicans in Congress justified the legality of the Venezuelan action by saying it was simply an extension of the Department of Justice carrying out a warrant. Now, they are simply praising this action as necessary to stop Iranian nuclear enrichment, without commenting upon the legality of the move.
Looking at my representation in Congress:
Declaring Iran at fault and saying he “doesn’t take military action lightly”.
“CANT HV UNPRDICTABLE LEADERSHIP IN IRAN W NUCLEAR BOMB”
Thanking our service members in the region.
I have my own thoughts on the irony of their statements but I will let you come up with your own commentary on their respective comments. Please feel free to comment your feelings.
None of them are commenting on the legality of such an attack, either in terms of the United States Constitution, or in terms of international law.
This operation in Iran could go well. It could lead to the protest movement feeling increased energy, renewed optimism, and international support, ultimately ushering in a new, more tolerant and open government in Iran.
However, this operation could also backfire. Unilaterally overthrowing the Iranian regime by killing many in leadership runs a major risk of galvanizing the people against the United States, isolating our allies, and it is possible Ayatollah Khamenei is replaced by a more hardline government.
Under no circumstances do I condone the Venezuelan or Iranian regimes but the ramifications of these actions will be long-lasting and should not have been authorized by only a single person at the helm.
Military operations should be debated on, and authorized by, Congress.
Sources:
U.S. Constitution | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
Biden imposes new sanctions on Maduro allies in Venezuela
A historical timeline of U.S. relations with Iran | PBS News
US confronts dangers from ‘not very good’ Iran-backed militants | Reuters
Iran’s protest crackdown killed more than 7,000, activists say | AP News
Top Republicans praise Venezuela operation as some lawmakers question legal authority
Iran strikes were launched without approval from Congress, deeply dividing lawmakers | WUSF
Live updates: Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead after U.S., Israel attack
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