War in Cameroon? - Obama to deploy 300 US troops to fight Boko Haram

[cindy25]

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/14/obama-deployment-us-troops-cameroon-boko-haram

and the follow up tweet from Justin Amash

Justin Amash ‏@justinamash 4h4 hours ago
Justin Amash Retweeted FRONTLINE
I don't remember Congress's voting to approve this. Pres. Obama might want to check out the Constitution.

[timosman]

Yup, saw that on the news earlier today. Another clusterfuck in the making.

[oyarde]

They will need a guide . After Christmas , I am available until St Patricks day ( potato planting ).Any offer exceeding 3 million for that time period may be considered.

[idiom]

Pity Hillary isn't around to have this pinned on her. Rand should ask her opinion on this right now. Everyone. Make people nail their colours to the mast on this.

[Zippyjuan]

Most of the Republican candidates are trying to be seen as big on defense as part of their "rebuild America's Reputation Plan". They won't criticize a couple hundred being sent to Africa. They want to send even more soldiers to fight. The "base" wants a strong defense.

[timosman]

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/10/14/letter-from-president-war-powers-resolution-cameroon


TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AND THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE

October 14, 2015

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

On October 12, 2015, approximately 90 U.S. Armed Forces personnel began deploying to Cameroon with the consent of the Government of Cameroon. This deployment is in advance of the deployment of additional U.S. Armed Forces personnel to Cameroon to conduct airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in the region. The total number of U.S. military personnel to be deployed to Cameroon is anticipated to be up to approximately 300. These forces are equipped with weapons for the purpose of providing their own force protection and security, and they will remain in Cameroon until their support is no longer needed.

I directed the deployment of U.S. forces in furtherance of U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, and pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive.

I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148). I appreciate the support of the Congress in this action.

Sincerely,

BARACK OBAMA

[Brian4Liberty]

Obama's New War In Africa: Do We Need It? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypcH_pddqnI)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypcH_pddqnI

[THX 1138]

Today...300. Tomorrow...10,000+.

[Brian4Liberty]

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/10/14/letter-from-president-war-powers-resolution-cameroon

IIRC, this type of action without the prior consent of Congress is only to be used in an emergency. What is the emergency here?

And isn't there a timeline by which Obama needs to get authorization from Congress now that he has sent troops?

[timosman]

IIRC, this type of action without the prior consent of Congress is only to be used in an emergency. What is the emergency here?

And isn't there a timeline by which Obama needs to get authorization from Congress now that he has sent troops?

60 days unless congress grants an extension.

Sec 5.b.2 - http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/warpower.asp


Within sixty calendar days after a report is submitted or is required to be submitted pursuant to section 4(a)(1), whichever is earlier, the President shall terminate any use of United States Armed Forces with respect to which such report was submitted (or required to be submitted), unless the Congress (1) has declared war or has enacted a specific authorization for such use of United States Armed Forces, (2) has extended by law such sixty-day period, or (3) is physically unable to meet as a result of an armed attack upon the United States. Such sixty-day period shall be extended for not more than an additional thirty days if the President determines and certifies to the Congress in writing that unavoidable military necessity respecting the safety of United States Armed Forces requires the continued use of such armed forces in the course of bringing about a prompt removal of such forces.