Would Congress have to approve an attack of Iran ?

[jaysunb]

or did the IWR give a black check for ALL wars Bush wants to start ?

Just wondering.....

[Greeby]

1. Text of the resolution is very clear

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021002-2.html

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

(a) 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.



Also of note:

SEC. 4. REPORTS TO CONGRESS

(a) The President shall, at least once every 60 days, submit to the Congress a report on matters relevant to this joint resolution, including actions taken pursuant to the exercise of authority granted in section 2 and the status of planning for efforts that are expected to be required after such actions are completed, including those actions described in section 7 of Public Law 105-338 (the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998).

What happened to that? :eyes:

[Greeby]

3. There is always the 1973 War Powers Resolution

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_powers_resolution_%28US_law%29

Portions of the War Powers Resolution require the President to consult with Congress prior to the start of any hostilities as well as regularly until U.S. armed forces are no longer engaged in hostilities (Sec. 3); and to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities if Congress has not declared war or passed a resolution authorizing the use of force within 60 days (Sec. 5(b)). Following an official request by the President to Congress, the time limit can be extended by an additional 30 days (presumably when "unavoidable military necessity" requires additional action for a safe withdrawal).

[jaysunb]

5. yes, but isn't he the dicktater now ?

beyond the reach anyone else ......it not, maybe someone should tip him off.

[LSparkle]

2. I'm hoping he'd have to go back ...

They didn't give him a blank check for the whole "War on Terror" did they? Wasn't that approval just for Iraq?

[jaysunb]

8. That's my hope also.

I really want to believe that the scales have fallen off the eyes of Congress, and/or they start worrying about 06. Maybe by now, they'll realize Bush doesn't give a rats ass about anybody but his cabal.

[HereSince1628]

4. Do you mean would the majority have to rubber stamp it?

Maybe.

Bush can always tell the world to just get fucked if they don't like it because he is authorizing the use of force against Iran to eliminate a threat he considers immediate.

If Bush can get away with another highly questionable linkage of Iran to 911, or maybe a not so questionable linkage to Iranian support for the Palestinians, those are part of the scope of the existing resolution known as the Iraq War Resolution.

If Bush is going to do it on the concept that the Iranians are not complying with the UN, then I think it will be a bit more tricky. No one in this country or any other believes that the UN allows Bush to be its mouthpiece or enforcer.

[indepat]

6. The Congress will, in virtual lockstep, give W whatever he wants IMHO

[madrchsod]

7. yes