Attack on Iran

Does Bush need a new authorization to attack Iran? Bush believes not. Senator Biden warns Rice that an attack on Iran would "generate a constitutional confrontation in the Senate". Congress did not authorize an attack anywhere beyond Iraq (and the previously authorized Afghanistan). 2 good posts at Unclaimed Territory and Dover Bitch spell it out for ya. Dover Bitch brings up the point that the "first draft" for authorization of force against Iraq (back in 2002) was not accepted by Congress. They believed it may allow Bush to continue his crusade elsewhere. From Dover Bitch on the first draft of the AUMF that was not accepted by Congress. But there was another, crucial reason why the first go at an AUMF [Authorization to Use Military Force] didn't stand a chance: It was not limited to Iraq. Even U.S. lawmakers who support authorization of use of force said they do not like the last line of the draft resolution, which says that "force" should be used against "the threat posed by Iraq, and restore international peace and security in the region." That line, say some members of Congress, is too vague and could allow the president to use force in other Mideast nations beyond Iraq. "That is probably a bit ambitious," said Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Indiana. "Would this authorize an invasion of Iran? Or how about Syria? They're in the region. I think we ought to stay focused here, and that is staying focused on Iraq." The language could lead to a "miniature Armageddon" or "potential World War III," claimed Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings, who said he will write an alternative resolution with fellow liberal Rep. Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts, that would place more pre-conditions on Bush before he could use force in Iraq. The Bush Administration recognized that they were not going to be authorized to use force wherever they wanted and they conceded in the draft that actually passed. Reading the quotes from that time it is obvious Congress DID NOT want to give Bush any authorization beyond Iraq and to run around the middle east blowing shit up everywhere.