When it comes to declaring war and conducting military strikes, the powers of U.S. war authorizations are placed in different branches. As part of the checks and balances set up to even out the varying powers of the government, war authorizations are a part of the system to ensure military actions are thought out carefully before any concrete steps are taken. The 2002 Iraq War authorization is still law and it provides openings for legal military strikes in the country to this day. Now, Senators propose the repeal of 1991 and 2002 Mideast war authorizations as we reach the milestone that comes with the 20th anniversary of the Iraq war. Related: Wait, the Battle of Fallujah Was Actually Two Conflicts?

2002 Iraq War Authorization Repeal Making Waves in Legislation

A push to end the authority of the United States and its military actions in Iraq is making its way through the legislative process. The 2002 Iraq War authorization allows open-ended military action in the Middle Eastern country. As the 20th anniversary has passed, the Senate is looking to repeal the measure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugyYjG6MdhA Additionally, the 1991 measure is also looking to be repealed by the same group of politicians. This month, the U.S. Senate passed a vote of 68 to 27 in favor of repealing both measures, through a bipartisan effort to reduce the power of Congress for military strikes and deployment. The proponents of the repeal believe that such war authorizations aren’t necessary and they can be misused if left as laws for too long. President Biden has also supported the notion, with his administration releasing a statement on the repeals: “Repeal of these authorizations would have no impact on current U.S. military operations and would support this administration’s commitment to a strong and comprehensive relationship with our Iraqi partners.” Support for finalizing the move is a bit unclear. On one hand, there is support among both parties and in different branches of government, but there is also opposition. Some worry that the Republican-controlled House may not bring up the bill as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., also isn’t a fan of the idea. Senate Republicans are also split on whether or not it’s a good idea. But many believe the Iraq War authorization repeal is a great way to balance the power of Congress within the government when it comes to military strikes. Suggested Read: Black Ops 5 Leaks Could Spell Controversy for Franchise Leaving the authorizations on the books has led to the justification of various military strikes. Even at its inception, the 2002 Iraq War authorization was a point of debate as the U.S. was already at war with Afghanistan due to 9/11, which Iraq wasn’t a part of.

Broader Appeals Are Not as Favorable

The War in Iraq quickly became a violent conflict with multiple objectives that went well beyond finding and destroying weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Despite initiatives driven by a lack of interest in the conflict in the Middle East by Americans, broader authority remains necessary. Even with troops leaving in 2011, troops remain to assist the Iraqi government to maintain peace. One of the results of the Iraq War includes maintaining a strong relationship with the country’s government as a critical ally in the region. Therefore, strikes in the region continue despite a notable retracted force present. You can still find American military forces throughout the region hunting terrorists in an effort to maintain world peace and protect the U.S. and its allies. Outdated war authorizations continue to collect scrutiny, but while amendments have been offered to repeal broader measures, support for repeal is not there. This is the same legislation that helped President Bush enter Afghanistan with the possibility of attacking terrorists in other nations. Today, we continue to see the U.S. fighting to maintain freedom and stifle terrorism in a variety of countries including Iraq and even assisting in efforts throughout Africa. Taking away such authorizations could prove to be problematic for the military as a whole because of the role America plays internationally.

2002 Iraq War Authorization No Longer Fits the Current Needs of the U.S.

The Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) has been the standard for military action in modern warfare. AUMFs authorize a more limited use of force and have been used since the declaration of total war against Romania during WWII. The 2002 Iraq War authorization served its purpose but hasn’t been used since American troops formally withdrew from Iraq. Its relevancy and necessity are no longer accurate for modern circumstances. Failing to repeal it could lead to future abuses and set a strong precedent for the direction of America's military going forward. Read Next: The Aftermath of the Soviet-Afghan War Is Still Being Felt