The Iraq War Authorization Turns 20 - Global Research
Global ResearchAPR 2022
Constitutionally, the argument against these Authorizations is clear as day: Congress is the sole governmental body with the power to declare war. Since the illegal authorization to fight the so-called "War on Terror" 20 years ago, nearly a million people have been killed and more than $21T has been spent, all because of executive branch-led ventures. It's well past time to repeal these laws.
These Authorizations are legal and necessary in the counter-terrorism era of warfare we live in today. The US faces threats from state and non-state actors — including al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group — which is why the president and the Pentagon need authority and flexibility. Congress can be briefed by the executive branch, but the president can’t wait around for a painstaking declaration of war process.