American Action In Libya

The United States is landing ordinance on Libyan armed forces.  Though there is a resolution from the United Nations “authorizing” hostile actions against this odious but sovereign state, President Obama has put America into a third shooting war without making a case to Americans as to why we are engaging in hostilities beyond a vague nation of humanitarian interests.

There are many possible compelling national interests that would lead to armed conflict in a foreign land.  I do think that a case can be made that America is a nation that has humanitarianism as a genuine national interest.  The flotilla of support vessels and thousands of servicemen helping Japan aid its victims of the earthquake and tsunami are on just such a humanitarian mission, and it is very much in our interest to help an ally.

Nevertheless, our President has authorized putting our military forces at risk without explaining to the American people what the compelling national interest is in Libya beyond this vague notion of preventing humanitarian disaster.  How exactly is participating in the erosion of Libyan air defenses, ground forces and knocking out Libyan government installations advancing America’s interests in the region? How will our actions prevent civilian deaths?

After creating a power vacuum in Libya – what follows?  Are the “rebels” clearly and categorically less hostile to American values than Qaddafi? I have zero interest in the welfare of any of Libya’s villains, but as we begin trading American blood and treasure to uproot one villain we need to have some sense if he will be replaced with another.

I call upon this administration to quickly and clearly make the case to the American people for bringing the already heavily tasked American military to bear against the Libyan regime.  I further call upon Congress to address the deeply troubling matter of the president acting at the behest of the United Nations.

In the end, our Senators and Representatives are responsible to the American people for how the lives and resources of America are spent in conflicts, just as much as the President is.  While the President ought to be afforded some latitude on emergent situations, a robust debate is owed to America without delay.

Read more at Ed Martin for Congress