The senate voted to end two resolutions that authorized military force in and against Iraq. This is in light of the Iran drone attack.
March 29th 2023 the Senate voted to repeal the 1991 authorization for use of military force. A repeal which allowed for the U.S. to defend Kuwait during the Gulf War when Iraq invaded. It also would end the 2002 AUMF which allowed for a response against Iraq after 9/11.
These authorizations were the only thing allowing military actions to continue taking place in Iraq and Iran for over two decades. Critics say that these authorizations have been abused to extend their use in the broader regions of the Middle East.
Sen. Todd Young, Rep. Ind., said that it was important to formally move on from the Gulf War and the Iraq War, and make it clear that Congress must be consulted when new conflicts arise instead of letting the Executive Branch lean on these past AUMF’s for military action.
Young also stated that this would “reassert Congress’ constitutional role in deciding whether and when to send our service members into harm’s way and enhance the relationship the United States now has with a sovereign, democratic Iraq.”
The opposition argued that these AUMFs were providing the American deterrence against Iran. President Trump used it to justify killing Iranian military official, Qasem Soleimani.
The legislation does not affect the 2001 AUMF against people and groups responsible for 9/11 terrorist attacks.
It is up to the House of Representatives to vote.
Opinion
I understand Young’s perspective on wanting to put the Iraq and Gulf War’s to an official close, but the fact of the matter is they haven’t ended. Just recently an Iranian drone killed personnel in an Iraq base. The conflicts are not over in Iraq and Iran simply put.
What Young would call a sovereign country would soon be invaded the moment American deterrence is taken away.
It is a balance though. Which countries are more likely to continue their ideological war against us. Iran. Obviously. The argument really is would Iran build up to the point where they are doing international acts of terrorism. It would be hard to see how they wouldn’t personally.
I am all for having our hands in as few pots as possible. I am all for keeping as much money in the United States as possible and developing infrastructure and taking care of Americans first. Though this question still requires more contemplation.
