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Niger: Frequently Asked Questions About the October 2017 Attack on U.S. Soldiers [October 27, 2017]
"A deadly attack on U.S. soldiers in Niger and their local counterparts on October 4, 2017, has prompted many questions from Members of Congress about the incident. It has also highlighted a range of broader issues for Congress pertaining to oversight and authorization of U.S. military deployments, evolving U.S. global counterterrorism activities and strategy, interagency security assistance and cooperation efforts, and U.S. engagement with countries historically considered peripheral to core U.S. national security interests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch; Feickert, Andrew . . .
2017-10-27
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United Nations Issues: Congressional Representatives to the U.N. General Assembly [Updated August 5, 2019]
From the Document: "The annual session of the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly is held at U.N. Headquarters in New York City. Generally, the President appoints one Democrat and one Republican to serve as U.S. representatives to the session, alternating each year between the House and Senate. At the 73rd session of the Assembly, which opened in September 2018, two Senators (Ron Johnson and Jeff Merkley) served as congressional representatives. Two members of the House will likely serve as representatives to the 74th Assembly session, which is scheduled to open on September 17, 2019."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Weed, Matthew C.
2019-08-05
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U.S. Killing of Qasem Soleimani: Frequently Asked Questions [January 8, 2020]
From the Document: "The January 2, 2020, U.S. killing in Iraq of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) Commander Qasem Soleimani, generally regarded as one of the most powerful and important officials in Iran, has potentially dramatic implications for the United States. For Congress, it raises possible questions about U.S. policy in the Middle East, broader U.S. global strategy, U.S. relations with partners and allies, the authorization and legality of U.S. military action abroad, U.S. measures to protect its service members and diplomatic personnel, and congressional oversight of these and related issues. This report provides background information in response to some frequently asked questions related to the strike and its aftermath."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs); Katzman, Kenneth; Blanchard, Christopher M. . . .
2020-01-08
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U.S. Killing of Qasem Soleimani: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated January 13, 2020]
From the Document: "The January 2, 2020, U.S. killing in Iraq of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) Commander Qasem Soleimani, generally regarded as one of the most powerful and important officials in Iran, has potentially dramatic implications for the United States. For Congress, it raises possible questions about U.S. policy in the Middle East, broader U.S. global strategy, U.S. relations with partners and allies, the authorization and legality of U.S. military action abroad, U.S. measures to protect its servicemembers and diplomatic personnel, and congressional oversight of these and related issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs); Katzman, Kenneth; Blanchard, Christopher M. . . .
2020-01-13
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War Powers Resolution: Concepts and Practice [March 28, 2017]
"This report discusses and assesses the War Powers Resolution and its application since enactment in 1973, providing detailed background on various cases in which it was used, as well as cases in which issues of its applicability were raised. It will be revised biannually. In the post-Cold War world, Presidents have continued to commit U.S. Armed Forces into potential hostilities, sometimes without a specific authorization from Congress. Thus the War Powers Resolution and its purposes continue to be a potential subject of controversy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2017-03-28
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War Powers Resolution: Concepts and Practice [Updated March 8, 2019]
From the Document: "This report discusses and assesses the War Powers Resolution and its application since enactment in 1973, providing detailed background on various cases in which it was used, as well as cases in which issues of its applicability were raised. In the post-Cold War world, Presidents have continued to commit U.S. Armed Forces into potential hostilities, sometimes without a specific authorization from Congress. Thus the War Powers Resolution and its purposes continue to be a potential subject of controversy. On June 7, 1995, the House defeated, by a vote of 217-201, an amendment to repeal the central features of the War Powers Resolution that have been deemed unconstitutional by every President since the law's enactment in 1973. In 1999, after the President committed U.S. military forces to action in Yugoslavia without congressional authorization, Representative Tom Campbell used expedited procedures under the Resolution to force a debate and votes on U.S. military action in Yugoslavia, and later sought, unsuccessfully, through a federal court suit to enforce presidential compliance with the terms of the War Powers Resolution."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2019-03-08
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War Powers Resolution: Concepts and Practice [Updated December 11, 2018]
"Under the Constitution, the war powers are divided between Congress and the President. Among other relevant grants, Congress has the power to declare war and raise and support the armed forces (Article I, Section 8), while the President is Commander in Chief (Article II, Section 2). It is generally agreed that the Commander-in-Chief role gives the President power to utilize the armed forces to repel attacks against the United States, but there has long been controversy over whether he is constitutionally authorized to send forces into hostile situations abroad without a declaration of war or other congressional authorization. [...] This report examines the provisions of the War Powers Resolution, actual experience in its use from its enactment in 1973 through March 2015, and proposed amendments to it. Appendix A lists instances which Presidents have reported to Congress under the War Powers Resolution, and Appendix B lists certain instances of the use of U.S. armed forces that were not reported."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2018-12-11
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War Powers Resolution: Concepts and Practice [April 3, 2015]
"This report discusses and assesses the War Powers Resolution and its application since enactment in 1973, providing detailed background on various cases in which it was used, as well as cases in which issues of its applicability were raised. It will be revised biannually. In the post-Cold War world, Presidents have continued to commit U.S. Armed Forces into potential hostilities, sometimes without a specific authorization from Congress. Thus the War Powers Resolution and its purposes continue to be a potential subject of controversy. On June 7, 1995, the House defeated, by a vote of 217-201, an amendment to repeal the central features of the War Powers Resolution that have been deemed unconstitutional by every President since the law's enactment in 1973. In 1999, after the President committed U.S. military forces to action in Yugoslavia without congressional authorization, Representative Tom Campbell used expedited procedures under the Resolution to force a debate and votes on U.S. military action in Yugoslavia, and later sought, unsuccessfully, through a federal court suit to enforce presidential compliance with the terms of the War Powers Resolution."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2015-04-03
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United Nations Issues: Congressional Representatives to the U.N. General Assembly [August 1, 2018]
"The annual session of the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly is held at U.N. Headquarters in New York City. Generally, the President appoints one Democrat and one Republican to serve as U.S. representatives to the session, alternating each year between the House and Senate. At the 72nd session of the Assembly, which opened in September 2017, two House members (Barbara Lee and Christopher Smith) served as congressional representatives. Two members of the Senate will likely serve as representatives to the 73rd Assembly session, which is scheduled to open on September 18, 2018."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Weed, Matthew C.
2018-08-01
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U.N. Report Recommends Burmese Military Leaders Be Investigated and Prosecuted for Possible Genocide [September 4, 2018]
"The U.N. Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar (UNFFM) has recommended that the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) authorize the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and prosecute 'senior officials in the Tatmadaw' (Burma's military) for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The UNFFM found over the course of a nearly 18-month investigation that there are 'reasonable grounds' to conclude that: (1) Tatmadaw leaders planned a genocidal attack on the Rohingya that was implemented in September and October 2017 by Tatmadaw soldiers and other Burmese security forces; (2)'Crimes against humanity have been committed in Kachin, Rakhine, and Shan States, principally by the Tatmadaw'; and (3) The Tatmadaw, other Burmese security forces, some of the ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) committed war crimes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Martin, Michael F.; Weed, Matthew C.; Willett, Colin
2018-09-04
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International Criminal Court: U.S. Response to Examination of Atrocity Crimes in Afghanistan [Updated April 16, 2019]
From the Document: "On April 5, 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo revoked the U.S. travel visa permitting International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to enter the United States, unless visiting U.N. headquarters in New York, citing legal authority (8 U.S.C. §1182(a)(3)(C)(i)) to restrict entry of persons 'whose ... proposed activities in the United States would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences.' Secretary Pompeo explained the reason for the decision was Ms. Bensouda's possible investigation of allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in and related to Afghanistan since 2002, arguing such activities could 'illegitimately target American personnel for prosecutions and sentencing.' The Secretary's decision is the latest development in the recent worsening of U.S.-ICC relations, a relationship in which Congress has involved itself through legislation and oversight since the ICC's creation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2019-04-16
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New Authorization for Use of Military Force Against the Islamic State: Comparison of Proposals in Brief [December 19, 2014]
"In 2014, the armed offensive of the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIL [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] or ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria]) in northern and western Iraq and northeastern Syria raised significant concerns for the United States. After first ordering multiple deployments of U.S. troops to Iraq to provide security to diplomatic personnel and facilities, advise Iraqi security forces, and conduct intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, President Obama began ordering U.S. military airstrikes on IS forces in Iraq in August 2014. Later in September, after laying out plans for expanded use of military force against the Islamic State in a televised speech to the American people, the President ordered U.S. military airstrikes in Syria against both IS forces and forces of the 'Khorasan Group,' identified by the President as part of Al Qaeda. The intensified U.S. military engagement has raised numerous questions about the President's authority to use military force against the Islamic State."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2014-12-19
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New Authorization for Use of Military Force Against the Islamic State: Comparison of Current Proposals in Brief [November 6, 2014]
"The armed offensive of the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIL or ISIS) in northern and western Iraq and northeastern Syria has raised significant concerns for the United States. After first ordering multiple deployments of U.S. troops to Iraq to provide security to diplomatic personnel and facilities, advise Iraqi security forces, and conduct intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, President Obama began ordering U.S. military airstrikes on IS forces in Iraq in August 2014. Later in September, after laying out plans for expanded use of military force against the Islamic State in a televised speech to the American people, the President ordered U.S. military airstrikes in Syria against both IS forces and forces of the 'Khorasan Group,' identified by the President as part of Al Qaeda. The President in his August 2014 notifications to Congress of deployments and airstrikes in Iraq indicated his powers as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive under Article II of the Constitution gave him authority to undertake such action. […] Most recently, the President on November 5, 2014, indicated that he intends to enter into discussions with congressional leaders to develop a new AUMF specifically targeting the Islamic State, in order to 'right-size and update whatever authorization Congress provides to suit the current fight, rather than previous fights' authorized by the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2014-11-06
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New Authorization for Use of Military Force Against the Islamic State: Issues and Current Proposals [January 15, 2016]
"In 2014, the armed offensive of the Islamic State (also known as ISIL, ISIS, or Daesh) in northern and western Iraq and northeastern Syria raised significant concerns for the United States. After first ordering multiple deployments of U.S. troops to Iraq to provide security to diplomatic personnel and facilities, advise Iraqi security forces, and conduct intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, President Obama began ordering U.S. military airstrikes on IS forces in Iraq in August 2014. Later in September, after laying out plans for expanded use of military force against the Islamic State in a televised speech to the American people, the President ordered U.S. military airstrikes in Syria against both IS forces and forces of the 'Khorasan Group,' identified by the President as part of Al Qaeda. In 2015, the President ordered new deployments to Iraq, and the Administration announced deployment of a small number of special operations forces to Syria to conduct military operations that involve advising regional partner armed forces but also can include 'unilateral' U.S. operations. [...] This report focuses on the several proposals for a new AUMF [authorization for use of military force] specifically targeting the Islamic State made druing the 113th and 114th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2016-01-15
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New Authorization for Use of Military Force Against the Islamic State: Issues and Current Proposals [February 21, 2017]
"Since the United States embarked on a strategy to counter the Islamic State (also known as ISIL or ISIS) in 2014, some Members of Congress have raised concerns about the President's underlying authority to engage in anti-IS military operations. In the 114th Congress, both houses of Congress took steps to revisit the possibility of considering legislation to provide authority for the use of military force (AUMF) against the Islamic State. Interest has continued into the first session of the 115th Congress and with the start of the Trump Administration. [...] This report focuses on the several proposals for a new AUMF specifically targeting the Islamic State made during the 113th and 114th Congresses as well as those made thus far in the 115th Congress. It includes a brief review of existing authorities and AUMFs, as well as a discussion of issues related to various provisions included in existing and proposed AUMFs that both authorize and limit presidential use of military force. Appendices provide a comparative analysis of similar provisions in the numerous AUMFs proposed in the 113th and 114th Congresses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2017-02-21
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U.S. International Broadcasting: Background and Issues for Reform [December 15, 2016]
"Since the beginning of modern U.S. international broadcasting during World War II, debates over the effectiveness, strategic direction, and necessity of broadcasting activities have persisted. Longstanding arguments over the structure and operation of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) have only added to these debates, prompting recurring efforts to reform the organization and its programs. Many Members of Congress have consistently shown concerted interest in U.S. international broadcasting, conducting oversight over the BBG and its individual broadcasters, and calling for increased resources and programming for certain regions, countries, and language services as well as streamlining of broadcast structures and resources. Interest in this area is expected to continue into the 115th Congress and with the start of a new Administration. Headed by a Board of eight presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed members, and the Secretary of State, the BBG has responsibility for supervising, directing, and overseeing the operations of the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB), the Voice of America (VOA), and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB, operating the Radio and TV Martí services to Cuba), as well as funding and oversight of the grantee broadcasters Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Radio Free Asia (RFA), and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2016-12-15
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President Trump Criticizes VOA Coverage of China's COVID-19 Response [April 28, 2020]
From the Document: "On April 10, 2020, the White House included in its online '1600 Daily' summary of key news and events a statement entitled 'Voice of America Spends Your Money to Speak for Authoritarian Regimes.' The statement referred to a Voice of America (VOA) story and two posts that, it asserted, 'amplified Beijing's propaganda' about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The statement criticized VOA for running an Associated Press article on its website on April 7, 2020, which referred to Wuhan's lockdown as a 'model' for other countries battling the coronavirus. The White House statement provided an image of part of a March 31, 2020, VOA Facebook post, which included a graphic showing that the U.S. COVID-19 death toll had surpassed China's then-official tally. On April 7, 2020, a VOA tweet showed a video of a light show put on by the Wuhan government to mark the end of the city's lockdown. VOA operates under the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), an independent, federal entity whose mission is to' provide unbiased news and information in countries where the press is restricted.' Voice of America released a response to the White House statement, asserting that 'VOA has thoroughly debunked' Chinese government and state-run disinformation and propaganda related to the pandemic, and that 'we are free to show all sides of an issue and are actually mandated to do so by law,' unlike Chinese media."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Weed, Matthew C.
2020-04-28
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International Criminal Court: U.S. Sanctions in Response to Investigation of War Crimes in Afghanistan [June 19, 2020]
From the Document; "President Trump issued an executive order on June 11, 2020, authorizing sanctions, in part, against any foreign person found to be acting in support of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor's investigation of U.S. personnel. The decision comes three months after the ICC Prosecutor's opening of an investigation into alleged war crimes related to the Afghanistan conflict, which has provoked condemnation and concern from the United States"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.; Rennack, Dianne E.
2020-06-19
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Joint Resolution Seeks to End U.S. Support for Saudi-led Coalition Military Operations in Yemen [March 5, 2018]
From the Document: "In February 2018, Senators Sanders, Lee, and Murphy introduced S.J.Res. 54, a joint resolution that would direct the President to remove U.S. forces from 'hostilities in or affecting' Yemen (except for those U.S. forces engaged in counterterrorism operations directed at al Qaeda or associated forces). Since March 2015, the U.S. military has supported military operations in Yemen by a coalition of countries led by the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The coalition operations, including airstrikes, have supported a broader campaign to reinstate the internationally recognized government of Yemeni President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Hadi was ousted by force in early 2015 by the Ansar Allah/Houthi movement and loyalists of the previous president of Yemen, the late Ali Abdullah Saleh. Since 2015, some lawmakers have argued that U.S. support to the Saudi-led coalition makes the United States a party to the armed conflict."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.; Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Weed, Matthew C.
2018-03-05
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Global Engagement Center: Background and Issues [August 04, 2017]
"The State Department's Global Engagement Center (GEC) is tasked with countering foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation targeting the United States and U.S. interests. A number of recent reports have stated that the GEC has not been given access to authorized funds for FY2017, leading to speculation and concern in some quarters about its continued role and operations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2017-08-04
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U.S. - Iraq Strategic Framework and Status of Forces Agreement: Congressional Response [Updated July 11, 2008]
"This report is divided into two main parts: the first describes in detail the actions taken by Congress thus far in response to the Declaration of Principles and other information concerning the planned Iraq Agreements, consisting of legislative initiatives and congressional hearings; the second provides options for further congressional action concerning Congress's role in the negotiation, execution, and implementation of the Iraq Agreements. This report may not be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2008-07-11
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U.S. International Broadcasting: Background and Issues for Reform [May 2, 2014]
"Since the beginning of modern U.S. international broadcasting during World War II, debates over the effectiveness, strategic direction, and necessity of broadcasting activities have persisted. Since the creation of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), arguments over its structure have only added to these debates, producing a number of reform efforts. Many Members of Congress have consistently shown concerted interest in U.S. international broadcasting, conducting oversight over the BBG and its individual broadcasters, and calling for increased resources and programming for certain regions, countries, and language services. On April 28, 2014, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Edward Royce introduced the United States International Communications Reform Act of 2014 (H.R. 4490), which would change the structure of U.S. international broadcasting, suggesting that this issue might receive increased congressional attention during the second session of the 113th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2014-05-02
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Declarations of War and Authorizations for the Use of Military Force: Historical Background and Legal Implications [April 18, 2014]
"This report provides historical background on the enactment of declarations of war and authorizations for the use of force and analyzes their legal effects under international and domestic law. It also sets forth their texts in two appendices. The report includes an extensive listing and summary of statutes that are triggered by a declaration of war, a declaration of national emergency, and/or the existence of a state of war. The report concludes with a summary of the congressional procedures applicable to the enactment of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of force and to measures under the War Powers Resolution. The report will be updated as circumstances warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elsea, Jennifer; Weed, Matthew C.
2014-04-18
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Considerations for Possible Authorization for Use of Military Force Against the Islamic State [September 16, 2014]
"The armed offensive of the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIL or ISIS) in northern and western Iraq and northeastern Syria has raised significant concerns for the Middle Eastern governments and the United States. Since June, President Obama has ordered multiple deployments of U.S. troops to Iraq to provide security to diplomatic personnel and facilities, advise Iraqi security forces, and conduct intelligence gathering and reconnaissance. He has also ordered U.S. military airstrikes on IS forces in Iraq as part of at least four military operations since August 7. In a September 10, 2014, speech, the President also laid out plans for expanded use of military force against the Islamic State in Iraq and possibly Syria. Concerned with a perceived piecemeal build-up of troops, the President's plans for expanding uses of military force, the lack of opportunities for congressional consultation and oversight, and a possible expansion of the use of military force into Syria, several Members of Congress have expressed the view that continued use of military force against the Islamic State requires congressional authorization. Members differ on whether such authorization should be provided."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2014-09-16
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New Authorization for Use of Military Force Against the Islamic State: Comparison of Current Proposals in Brief [October 21, 2014]
"The armed offensive of the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIL or ISIS) in northern and western Iraq and northeastern Syria has raised significant concerns for the United States. After first ordering multiple deployments of U.S. troops to Iraq to provide security to diplomatic personnel and facilities, advise Iraqi security forces, and conduct intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, President Obama began ordering U.S. military airstrikes on IS forces in Iraq in August 2014. Later in September, after laying out plans for expanded use of military force against the Islamic State in a televised speech to the American people, the President ordered U.S. military airstrikes in Syria against both IS forces and forces of the 'Khorasan Group,' identified by the President as part of Al Qaeda. […] The President in his August 2014 notifications to Congress of deployments and airstrikes in Iraq indicated his powers as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive under Article II of the Constitution gave him authority to undertake such action. Obama Administration officials and the President's September 2014 notifications2 to Congress for airstrikes and other actions in Iraq and Syria, however, have stated that two enacted authorizations for use of military force (AUMFs), the Authorization for Use of Military Force (2001 AUMF; P.L. 107-40), and the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (2002 AUMF; P.L. 107-243), provide authorization for certain U.S. military strikes against the Islamic State." This report discusses the legitimacy of current military action in Iraq and Syria under the aforementioned AUMFs, and Congress' proposals for a new AUMF specifically targeting the Islamic State.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2014-10-21
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'Islamic State' Crisis and U.S. Policy [September 11, 2014]
"The Islamic State is a transnational Sunni Islamist insurgent and terrorist group that has expanded its control over areas of northwestern Iraq and northeastern Syria since 2013, threatening the security of both countries and drawing increased attention from the international community. There is debate over the degree to which the Islamic State [IS] organization might represent a direct terrorist threat to the U.S. homeland or to U.S. facilities and personnel in the region. [...] In September 10, President Obama announced a multifaceted strategy to 'degrade, and ultimately destroy' the Islamic State organization. The announced strategy is for the United States to lead and expand a multilateral coalition that will undertake direct military action, provide support for partner ground forces in Iraq and Syria, gather and share intelligence and use financial measures to try to progressively shrink the geographic and political space, manpower, and financial resources available to the Islamic State. The Administration and its allies all have ruled out deploying combat forces to either Iraq or Syria. Some assert that the U.S. strategy will attract the support of Sunnis in both Syria and Iraq in a broad effort to defeat the Islamic State. Others assess that the strategy might have minimal effect because local anti-IS forces will not have support from U.S. or other western combat troops. For details on Islamic State operations in Iraq and U.S. policy toward Iraq since the 2003 U.S. invasion, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21968, 'Iraq: Politics, Governance, and Human Rights', by Kenneth Katzman. For further information on the Islamic State's operations in Syria, see CRS Report RL33487, 'Armed Conflict in Syria: Overview and U.S. Response', coordinated by Christopher M. Blanchard."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Humud, Carla E.; Blanchard, Christopher M. . . .
2014-09-11
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'Islamic State' Crisis and U.S. Policy [November 12, 2014]
"The Islamic State is a transnational Sunni Islamist insurgent and terrorist group that has expanded its control over areas of parts of Iraq and Syria since 2013. It threatens the governments of both countries and potentially several other countries in the region, and has drawn a military response from the international community. There is debate over the degree to which the Islamic State organization might represent a direct terrorist threat to the U.S. homeland or to U.S. facilities and personnel in the region. The forerunner of the Islamic State (IS) was part of the insurgency against coalition forces in Iraq, and the organization has in the years since the 2011 U.S. withdrawal from Iraq expanded its control over significant areas of both Iraq and Syria. The Islamic State has thrived in the disaffected Sunni tribal areas of Iraq and in the remote provinces of Syria torn by the civil war. Since early 2014, Islamic State-led forces, supported by groups linked to ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and many Sunni Arab tribalists, have advanced along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, seizing multiple population centers including Mosul, one of Iraq's largest cities. […] The Islamic State's tactics have drawn the ire of the international community, increasing U.S. attention on Iraq's political problems and on the civil war in Syria. On September 10, President Obama announced a series of actions intended to 'degrade, and ultimately destroy' the Islamic State organization. […] Several of the regional coalition members apparently seek an expansion of the U.S.-led mission to include an effort to oust President Bashar al Asad of Syria, arguing that the Islamic State cannot be defeated until the Syrian political situation is altered."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.; Tiersky, Alex L.; Margesson, Rhoda . . .
2014-11-12
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Considerations for Possible Authorization for Use of Military Force Against the Islamic State [September 9, 2014]
"The armed offensive of the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIL or ISIS) in northern and western Iraq and northeastern Syria has raised significant concerns for the Middle Eastern governments and the United States. Since June, President Obama has ordered multiple deployments of U.S. troops to Iraq to provide security to diplomatic personnel and facilities, advise Iraqi security forces, and conduct intelligence gathering and reconnaissance. He has also ordered U.S. military airstrikes on IS forces in Iraq as part of at least four military operations since August 7. Concerned with a perceived piecemeal build-up of troops, accumulation of narrowly defined uses of force, and lack of clearly articulated strategy informed by congressional consultation and oversight, several Members of Congress have expressed the view that continued use of military force against the Islamic State requires congressional authorization. Members differ on whether such authorization should be provided."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2014-09-09
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U.S. Diplomatic Missions: Background and Issues on Chief of Mission (COM) Authority [March 10, 2014]
"'Chief of Mission,' or COM, is the title conferred on the principal officer in charge of each U.S. diplomatic mission to a foreign country, foreign territory, or international organization. Usually the term refers to the U.S. ambassadors who lead U.S. embassies abroad, but the term also is used for ambassadors who head other official U.S. missions and to other diplomatic personnel who may step in when no ambassador is present. Appointed by the President, each COM serves as the President's personal representative, leading diplomatic efforts for a particular mission or in the country of assignment. U.S. ambassadors and others exercising COM authority are by law the cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy coordination in their respective countries. Their jobs are highly complex, demanding a broad knowledge of the U.S. foreign policy toolkit and the ability to oversee the activities and manage the representatives of many U.S. government entities, with some exceptions for those under military command. Congress plays an important role in setting standards for the exercise of COM authority and providing COMs with the resources--training, personnel, monetary--to promote its effective exercise. A number of recent developments have increased congressional attention to issues associated with the roles and responsibilities of COMs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.; Serafino, Nina M.
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'Islamic State' Crisis and U.S. Policy [May 27, 2015]
"The Islamic State (IS, aka the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, ISIL/ISIS or the Arabic acronym 'Daesh') is a transnational Sunni Islamist insurgent and terrorist group that has seized areas of Iraq and Syria since 2013, threatening the wider region. There is debate over the degree to which the Islamic State organization may directly threaten U.S. homeland security or U.S. facilities and personnel in the region. Its advance threatens several U.S. regional partners. The forerunners of the Islamic State were part of the insurgency against U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq, and the organization has in the years since the 2011 U.S. withdrawal from Iraq expanded its control over significant areas of both Iraq and Syria. The Islamic State has thrived in the disaffected Sunni tribal areas of Iraq and taken control of some eastern provinces of Syria torn by that country's civil war. In 2014, Islamic State-led forces, supported by groups linked to ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and some Sunni Arabs, advanced along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Iraq, seizing population centers including Mosul, one of Iraq's largest cities. Since then, IS forces have massacred Syrian and Iraqi adversaries, including some civilians, often from ethnic or religious minorities, and murdered several hostages, including U.S. citizens. Islamic State attempts to make further gains continue. The group's tactics have drawn regional and international ire, and raised U.S. attention to Iraq's political problems and to the war in Syria."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.; Humud, Carla E.; Katzman, Kenneth . . .
2015-05-27
