As the costs of the latest military campaign in Libya reaches hundreds of millions of dollars for the United States, Germany is pulling out of the operation out of concern over being pulled deeper in the conflict. In the meantime, Britain is expanding the mission to call for the assassination of Gaddafi — the leader of a sovereign nation in the midst of a civil war.

The United States is backing away from assassination calls while acknowledging that they are hoping for the rebels to prevail. U.S. officials are now openly claiming credit for slowing down Gaddafi’s efforts to fight the rebels — clearly associating the air attacks with supporting one side in the civil war.

In the meantime, critics continue to denounce Obama’s decision to take this country to war without a declaration of war — a continuation of the circumvention of Article I of the Constitution.

Obama once understood the value and necessity of such an declaration:

“The President does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation.

As Commander-in-Chief, the President does have a duty to protect and defend the United States. In instances of self-defense, the President would be within his constitutional authority to act before advising Congress or seeking its consent. History has shown us time and again, however, that military action is most successful when it is authorized and supported by the Legislative branch. It is always preferable to have the informed consent of Congress prior to any military action.”

Biden once took this even further, stating on Hardball as a Senator that “If he gives authorization to war… without Congressional approval, I will make it my business to impeach him!”

Source: Daily Mail

Jonathan Turley