With a headline that says "legalize it" I expect to attract a number of potheads to this blog. Sadly, weed is not what I'm wanting legalized. Not today, anyway.
No, I actually would like to see the American military presence in Iraq legalized. I want to see Congress legalize the SOFA.
Our presence in Iraq was legal. I'm not one of those Bush-detractors who claim that we went in there illegally. (I'm a Bush detractor who claims that we went in there immorally and unethically, but not illegally.)
Here's the thing: As of January 1st - as of today - our military presence in Iraq is illegal.
Our presence in Iraq was approved by Congress. Specifically, they approved the use of force in order to “defend the national security of the US from the threat posed by Iraq” and “enforce all relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”
Iraq no longer poses a threat, and the relevant UN Security Council resolution expired at the end of December 31st.
Our military presence in Iraq is no longer approved by Congress. It's illegal.
It can be made legal. Bush has negotiated a Status of Forces Agreement with Iraq. Congress needs to approve the Status of Forces Agreement - the SOFA - in order to make our military presence in Iraq legal.
If they don't - if they let the SOFA stand without their explicit approval - then it sets a dangerous precedent that tacitly expands presidential power.
Obama, please present the SOFA to Congress for their approval.
Read more at the Daily Beast.
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