As a presidential candidate, Donald Trump railed against starting endless wars. But his decision to bomb three Iranian sites over the weekend risks another protracted foreign entanglement in the Middle East. At best, it could lead to an uneasy peace.
Trump owes it to Congress and the American people to explain his strategic objectives, and how he’ll prevent the United States and its military from becoming mired in another costly Middle East quagmire.
The president does not have the authority to go to war with Iran, or any country, without congressional approval, under the U.S. Constitution. Even this limited strike aimed at eradicating Iran’s ability to achieve a nuclear weapon should involve consultation with members of Congress. Three days after the operation dubbed Midnight Hammer, the Trump administration abruptly canceled an initial classified briefing Tuesday for House members, according to U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Bellevue, ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee.
The president is abrogating his responsibilities to the legislative branch and, by extension, the American people. He must explain how his use of military force has eliminated a threat to the United States. An initial intelligence report, reported by CNN and The New York Times Tuesday, suggested the bombing did not destroy Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities.
“Without a coherent strategy for preventing Iran’s program from bouncing back, including through diplomacy, we risk further escalation,” Smith said Monday in announcing a war powers resolution that aims to curb the president’s authority. “No thoughtful deliberation nor careful planning occurred here — and serious actions demand serious debate, not presidential impulse.”
The resolution, introduced by Smith and Democratic ranking members of the foreign affairs and intelligence committees, is likely futile in the face of a Republican-controlled House that largely supports the president’s actions. But members like Smith must continue to speak out as the president skirts oversight and operates outside the bounds of constitutional checks and balances.
So far, Iran’s initial response to the attack has been firing 14 cruise missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, home to the U.S. military’s largest base in the region. On Monday, Trump declared a cease-fire had been brokered between Israel and Iran, but by Tuesday, he lashed out at both countries for reportedly breaking a fragile truce. Iran may still possess other ways to strike back, including attempting to close the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. That could result in a tit-for-tat and lead to a sustained conflict.
Throughout his first five months in office, Trump too often has shown contempt for the coequal branches of government. This time, without even congressional consultation, he risks the very forever wars he swore he’d avoid.
Mr. President, you’ve arrived at that slipperiest of slopes. Tell us how you’re going to get us — and keep us — out of another prolonged conflict.
