Libya

[Tonus]

I'm remembering the number of times we were warned that Iraq and/or Afghanistan would be our "next Vietnam." But I'm thinking that Libya right now is closer to filling that description, at least in terms of the early going. Obama has insisted that we aren't at war, and therefore he is not restricted by the War Powers Act (and thus does not have to get an okay from Congress). In spite of this, our forces in Libya are drawing hazard pay (http://hotair.com/archives/2011/06/20/airmen-sailors-in-libya-receiving-imminent-danger-pay-despite-wh-claim-of-no-legal-hostilities/).

It seems as if NATO forces are doing just enough to enforce a stalemate that leaves Khaddafi's forces in control of around 2/3rds of the country and possibly poised to draw out the conflict, knowing that pressure will mount on NATO to get more directly involved (ie, ground forces) or pack up and leave. And the big question is, will Obama push for greater involvement, which might lead to eventual deployment of US ground forces? Or will he be willing to turn his back on his own statements regarding the import of this 'mission' and deal with what could be a PR and diplomatic disaster?

[Grunthos]

Or will the House vote to cut all funding for the Libyan operation, and attempt to enforce the law by moving toward impeachment?

The War Powers Act of 1973, flawed mistake though it may be in many ways, is still the law of the land, and violating it in the face of repeated calls from the LEGITIMATE war-declaring branch of the government with regard to its violation most definitely rises to a "high crime or misdemeanor."

It was enacted in response to Vietnam, you may recall. No republican president has ever violated it, though every one has opposed it, and one vetoed it (whch was then overriden).

Clinton bent it considerably and tried to lawyer his way around it, but eventually complied with its requirements prior to the 90-day boundary.

Obama is flat out determined to ignore it, trying to redefine "war" in a way that even Billy-Bob would have blushed at.

At his legal peril, one may hope.