Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul Force Debate Over Af-Pak Warby northsunm32
In a rare show of bipartisan co-operation the liberal Democrat Kucinich together with the libertarian oriented Ron Paul (R) forced a rare debate on the Afghan war and presence of U.S. military advisors and special forces in Pakistan. The two congressmen offered a resolution ordering President Barack Obama to withdraw U.S. military personnel from Pakistan, saying their presence violates the War Powers Act since it was not approved by Congress. The resolution failed by a very large margin 38-372. The antiwar Democrats are obviously a feeble few. Only 32 Democrats voted for the measure and 6 Republicans as well. Many opposed used the argument that the War Powers Act only covers troops engaged in hostilities. It seems that in the case of special forces they would be engaged in hostilities. Of course their presence will never be admitted in any event.
The debate gave an opportunity for lawmakers to express their views on the Afghan war as well with divisions within the Democratic party made obvious. However, there are also a few courageous Republicans who are willing to speak out against the war as well. Ron Paul being the best known. Some likened the secret operations in Pakistan to those during the Vietnam war era. The operations grew into a very unpopular and bloody war. However the situation is hardly comparable since the U.S. is already heavily involved next door in Afghanistan. But the war could easily spread with greater intervention in Pakistan. Already the drone war has expanded greatly under Obama. Others claimed that U.S. military operations were much more transparent now. I do not know what evidence shows that to be the case. Perhaps the Pentagon is considering financing Wikileaks. July 29, 2010 Copyright © 2010 All Voices
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