Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Bashar laughs again

In the draft authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) against ISIS/ISIL that President Obama has submitted to Congress, the following definition of associated forces who would also be covered is offered --

In this joint resolution, the term "associated persons or forces" means individuals and organizations fighting for, on behalf of, or alongside ISIL or any closely-related successor entity in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners.

Practical question: if Al Nusra Front -- which the US has already attacked under the guise of the bogus Khorasan Group appellation -- is determined to be fighting Iraqi militias sent to help Bashar al-Assad, does that mean the AUMF would allow US action against Al Nusra Front, since Iraq is a member of the coalition?