March 22, 2011 07:30 PM UTC

Growing Debate Over Libyan Air Strikes

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• by: Colorado Pols

Although opinion polls show the American public substantially in favor, there could be trouble on the horizon for President Barack Obama over military action against the Libyan government–as the Los Angeles Times reports:

Obama sent a letter to congressional leaders Monday attempting to assure them that the administration was seeking a “rapid but responsible transition” of military command to other members of the United Nations-backed coalition. The letter followed complaints that he had failed to consult Congress before launching military action.

Political analysts say Obama could benefit if Kadafi is quickly ousted, or if there is another quick and relatively bloodless resolution. But if the conflict becomes a stalemate, criticism is likely to mount…

A contingent of liberal Democrats, normally allied with the president, condemned the use of military force. Some conservatives, as well as foreign policy experts, said Libya is not a vital U.S. interest.

That “contingent of liberal Democrats” includes Rep. Diana DeGette of Denver, who issued this statement shortly after the air strikes began this weekend:

I am concerned by President Obama’s decision to commit U.S. forces in Libya without involving Congress. This action may require substantial U.S. resources. While there is no question that Gaddafi’s regime is brutalizing the people of Libya, launching military action against another nation requires Congress be fully informed so we can exercise our Constitutional authority.

I therefore call on Speaker Boehner to call an emergency session, returning Members to Washington, so the President may address a joint session of Congress and be given the opportunity to make the case for war.

The word seems to be today that American forces will not be engaged long, and other nations are ready to take the lead in the operation. Assuming that combat doesn’t drag on for too long and the Libyan people get their Nicolae Ceausescu moment, President Obama might get out of this with his leadership credentials burnished and the public satisfied. Something about poorly-trained troops manning 1970s-era Soviet junk hardware has always made that an attractive possibility to American presidents when Muammar Qaddafi gets out of line.

But even if it all goes perfectly, a plain reading of the 1973 War Powers Resolution is tough to square with ordering airstrikes against Libya without congressional authorization, or a direct threat to American interests. Friendly president or not, lawmakers in both parties are likely to follow this episode up with some added oversight–or at least a debate about it.