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Duplicitous Congressional Posturing on Libya - by Stephen Lendman
In Washington, hypocrisy and duplicity substitute for resolute action to obey international and constitutional law. In fact, they're mere artifacts long ago discarded to advance America's imperium.
All Washington's wars are illegal. International law permits them only in self-defense. Constitutional law only lets Congress, not the president, declare or wage them overtly, covertly or any other way for any reason unless America was attacked.
Moreover, the principle of non-intervention (a cornerstone of international law pertaining to national sovereignty) prohibits meddling in the internal affairs of other countries as stipulated in the UN Charter's Article 2 (7), stating:
"Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state or shall require the Members to submit such matters to settlement under the present Charter; but this principle shall not prejudice the application of enforcement measures under Chapter VII," pertaining to threats to peace, its breaches, or acts of aggression.
These issues don't apply to America's wars against Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Yemen, and numerous proxy ones. Congress can easily stop them with a simple up or down vote to end funding, as well as another with teeth, holding the president accountable unless hostilities are immediately halted.
Moreover, so-called "humanitarian intervention" is modern-day colonialism dressed up in rhetorical mumbo jumbo to justify aggression. As a result, when America intervenes, it's for policy goals, not human rights, civil liberties, democratic values, or humanitarian priorities, presidents and lawmakers don't give a damn about and never did, abroad or at home.
Nonetheless, on June 15, Obama claimed legitimacy for America's war on Libya, telling Congress:
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