During the last several years, a proxy war between the United States and Iran
has emerged within Iraq and the greater Middle East. Iran’s leaders have attempted to
gain more influence over the war-torn country ever since the U.S. tried to establish a
western-style democracy. The Iranian push for greater control within the Middle East
has been met with pushback among key American officials who fear that giving any
ground would allow further expansion.
On Jan. 2, President Trump authorized a drone strike near the Baghdad
International Airport. Among the targets was Qasem Soleimani, a prominent Iranian
general. Iran responded by launching a missile strike at American bases in Iraq;
however, no one was injured in the retaliation. The next few days were filled with high
levels of tension as both sides determined their next steps. While war is not likely at this
time, this almost certainly will result in an escalation of the proxy war. Congress must
use this opportunity to rethink American involvement in the Middle East and rein in
excessive executive power.
Qasem Soleimani and his forces have carried out numerous terrorist attacks
across the region and are responsible for the deaths of many innocent civilians.
However, this alone does not justify American intervention. For half a century, the U.S.
has meddled in the affairs of Middle Eastern countries in the name of security and
democracy, among other things. These interventions have fueled mistrust of the U.S.
and resulted in an increased destabilization within the region. Our leaders must
recognize that continued intervention will not work out any better than it has in the past.
Insanity is doing the same thing over and expecting a different result. American foreign
policy within the Middle East fits well within that definition.
The airstrike was an act of war against a general whose country the U.S. is not at
war with at this time. This is important because Congress had not authorized the use of
armed aggression against Iranian forces. Article I, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution
says that “Congress shall have [the] power … to declare War, grant Letters of Marque
and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water.” Therefore,
President Trump ignored the Constitutional restraints put on the executive by
authorizing the strike. If Congress does not take action to reclaim its powers, the
executive branch will continue to act as it pleases with little regard for Congress. Doing
nothing is not an option if members of Congress care about their oath to defend the
Constitution.
While the American airstrike in Iraq took out an evil person, it was a rash decision
by President Trump and military leaders. War is not on the horizon. However,
Americans should be concerned about the lack of respect for the roles of government
laid out in the Constitution. Every citizen who cares about maintaining the American
governmental system must demand that Congress do something to reclaim the proper
constitutional role that the founders established.
