Obama Sees Iraq Resolution as a Legal Basis for Airstrikes, Official Says

[tritsofme]

19. Interesting

You drove me to do some research. I was not aware of the Al-Qeada/ISIL split and the implications it has for the 2001 AUMF, and I see now the administration stands on pretty shaky ground for prolonged conflict in Syria.

For what it's worth, here is the administration's argument: "Based on ISIL’s longstanding relationship with al-Qa’ida (AQ) and Usama bin Laden; its long history of conducting, and continued desire to conduct, attacks against U.S. persons and interests, the extensive history of U.S. combat operations against Isil dating back to the time the group first affiliated with AQ in 2004; and Isil’s position - supported by some individual members and factions of AQ-aligned groups - that it is the true inheritor of Usama bin Laden’s legacy, the President may rely on the 2001 AUMF as statutory authority for the use of force against Isil, notwithstanding the recent public split between AQ’s senior leadership and Isil."