Tag: libya

United States Fails to Stand for Peaceful Change

The Palestinians and other Arabs have long used violence to try to reclaim land taken from them by Israelis. The approach has long been a failure, but anger has long supplanted rationality, thus leading to periodic violent spasms in Palestine for almost a century. Now a potentially more effective weapon is being brandished: peaceful actions … Continue reading “United States Fails to Stand for Peaceful Change”

Hidden Bombs Hit Libyans

CAIRO — The conflict in Libya between pro- and anti-Gadhafi forces will continue to take its toll on communities long after the war has ended as long as hidden bombs remain scattered across public areas. Fifteen-year-old Misrata resident Mohammed lost most of his left hand and sustained shrapnel injuries to his abdomen in April after … Continue reading “Hidden Bombs Hit Libyans”

Confusion on All Sides as Stealth Bill to Approve Libyan War Defeated

Ordinarily on Friday our good congressional representatives cast their last vote and scurry quickly out of the House chamber. But last Friday they tarried, watching in amazement as the roll call proceeded on the second of two bills addressing Obama’s war on Libya. And lo and behold, for the second time in a day the … Continue reading “Confusion on All Sides as Stealth Bill to Approve Libyan War Defeated”

Use of Predators Sets Dangerous Precedent

In May, as an intervention that was slated to last “days, not weeks” approached its third month, President Obama quietly authorized the use of unmanned Predator drones against Libyan government troops. This news was greeted with indifference by the American press and public, suggesting that many Americans have stopped asking questions about how the costly, … Continue reading “Use of Predators Sets Dangerous Precedent”

It’s ‘Kinetic,’ So Don’t Get Frenetic

Explaining the Obama administration’s rationale for violating the War Powers Act by not asking Congress for authorization to attack Libya, the White House claims that what’s going on in Libya isn’t war, it’s a “kinetic military action.” This set off such a round of guffaws – even from Libya war supporters in the Democratic congressional … Continue reading “It’s ‘Kinetic,’ So Don’t Get Frenetic”

Republicans Bungle War-Powers Pushback

Although John Boehner, speaker of the House of Representatives, laudably sent a recent letter to President Barack Obama suggesting the possibility of a violation of the War Powers Resolution in the attack on Libya, he was 90 days too late. Obama’s violation did not occur this past weekend, but when the first American aircraft attacked … Continue reading “Republicans Bungle War-Powers Pushback”

Strange Definitions of War and Peace

Listen to Rep. Ron Paul deliver this address. Last week I joined six Republican and three Democratic colleagues to file a lawsuit against the Obama administration over its illegal war against Libya. Now that more than 90 days have passed since the president began bombing Libya, no one can seriously claim that the administration has … Continue reading “Strange Definitions of War and Peace”

Obama’s Claim of Libya War Powers Widely Disputed

President Barack Obama’s claim that U.S. military operations against Libya should not be subject to the War Powers Act and do not require Congressional approval is drawing heavy fire from friends and foes alike. In a 38-page report submitted to Congress earlier this week, White House and State Department lawyers contended that the Act did … Continue reading “Obama’s Claim of Libya War Powers Widely Disputed”