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No Declaration of War

Foxxy Feminist Fury

13:11 / 07.12.01

One very interesting thing I heard during NPR's commentary of Ashcroft's hearing before congress yesterday was that no official declaration of war has been made since September 11. Now, we all know we're at war. We have that stupid "Operation Enduring Freedom" name (though I prefer the Daily Show's 'Operation Enduring Coverage'), we've heard Bush say "We're at War" ad nauseum, and yet NO official declaration of war has been made through congress.

I looked briefly on the web for more information and couldn't find any. But I'm wondering, WHY has no official declaration been made? Clearly, this administration does NOTHING without a reason behind it. They MUST have a reason. But what is it?

Any ideas? Info? Thoughts?

Our Lady of The Two Towers

13:14 / 07.12.01

A couple of possibilities;

America may not announce it because they feel Al Queda didn't announce they were going to attack them.

Because they claim they are going after terrorists rather than a Government they are not legally required to 'declare war' in a formal 'Britain declaring war on Germany' sense.

There are rules of engagement that America would have to stick to if it was a war, no formal declaration, they can do whatever they want.

Kit-Cat Club

13:18 / 07.12.01

May be talking through my hat here, but I have a feeling it is because there is an international convention (Geneva?) governing what can and can be done when a nation is at war (i.e. when an official declaration of war has been made) - and it is probably useful for governments not to have to stick to the letter of it at all times.

On the other hand - perhaps it is simply the case that, whereas war can be declared on a nation, it cannot be declared against a grouping of people - and the US is not at war with Afghanistan only with Al-Qa'eda and, by extension, the Taliban.

Lionheart

15:17 / 07.12.01

This is why you should listen to press conferences.

In a white house press conference on, I believe the 14th of September, Ari fleitcher, the White House spokesman, said that a declaration of war will not be passed because, and I paraphrase,

"the white house does not believe that the War Powers Act is constitutional."

In other words, the government doesn't have to follow its own rules because it is the one enforcing it.

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