Syria Decision (Procedural issues).....

[Cameron]

I'd like to limit discussion in this thread to the procedural issues presented by Obama's pending decision to take action against Syria. What should be the procedure for deciding whether or not to strike Syria? I think this question can be answered without getting into whether we should actually strike Syria.

Which, in your opinion, best describes what Obama needs to order a strike on Syria?

1. Obama does not need international support or approval from Congress
2. Obama needs international support.
3. Obama needs approval from Congress.
4. Obama needs international support OR approval from Congress
5. Obama needs BOTH international support AND approval from Congress
6. Other

Also, would you answer change if Obama planned to put troops on the ground in Syria?

 

[Starbuck]

According to the law(s) that apply to this situation the President would need both approval from Congress and also from the international community.

However, that being said, I don't think he physically needs either of those things. Our previous President proved that you can simply skip all the procedural steps and simply invade another country. As much as I'd like to trust our President, I have little faith that he'll follow procedure. . . if any roadblock is presented.

Although, I can't say that I'm fully for or against using force in Syria. Mathematically speaking, this wouldn't be much different than using our military to rescue another country from some terrible natural disaster, which has happened from time to time. If we were to undertake an actual military operation to simply depose Assad, it would be quick and likely have minimal casualties.