President Obama to bypass congress over action in Iraq

Obama has told Congressional leaders he does not need lawmakers’ approval for any action in Iraq.

17:26 19 June 2014

US President Barack Obama met with Congressional leaders at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Iraq and the country’s possible response to recent advances by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) and has come to the conclusion that he can bypass congress should he choose to strike. 

 

Iraq has previously asked the United States for help as jihadist militants have successfully seized key cities and towns. But correspondents say any decision on military support from Washington could hinge on political changes in Iraq.

 

Senator Mitch McConnell spoke after the meeting saying that the president had “indicated he didn’t feel he had any need for authority from us for steps that he might take.” 

 

Meanwhile, administration officials says the president may be able to act unilaterally in Iraq because its government has requested US air strikes against ISIS which have seized Mosul last week and is now advancing southwards towards Baghdad. 

 

The White House, on the other hand, has been saying that the crisis in Iraq is not primarily a military challenge but requires a political solution. Vice President Joe Biden has pressed for a new government of national unity.