Obama Explains Libyan Mission To Congress

In keeping with the War Powers Resolution of 1973, President Obama has sent a letter to Congress within 48 hours of commencing military action, explaining its objective. While the right wants regime change, that is not the purpose of our action against Libya.

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.

By citing a possible security threat to the United States without having taken action, the president adheres to the 1973 law, given that Congress was not notified prior to initiating activity.

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.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.