After a 10-day break, Congress returns this week with the daunting task of articulating how the United States should proceed with the president’s Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
On February 11, President Obama spoke to the nation and presented to Congress, seeking their approval for his authorization to use force against ISIS. The president laid core principles which he believed would lead to the destruction of ISIL.
“It supports the comprehensive strategy that we have been pursuing with our allies and partners: A systemic and sustained campaign of airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq and Syria. Support and training for local forces on the ground, including the moderate Syrian opposition,” stated President Obama.
“Preventing ISIL attacks, in the region and beyond, including by foreign terrorist fighters who try to threaten our countries. Regional and international support for an inclusive Iraqi government that unites the Iraqi people and strengthens Iraqi forces against ISIL; humanitarian assistance for the innocent civilians of Iraq and Syria, who are suffering so terribly under ISIL’s reign of horror.”
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