THE PROGRESSIVE REVIEW - February 12, 2015

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*-- President Obama to propose war against the Islamic State --*
WASHINGTON (UPI) - President Barack Obama will propose a formal bill to Congress to start a war against the Islamic State.

The war power bill would restrict fighting for three years and prohibit the use of "enduring offensive ground forces." The battlefield would not be restricted to Iraq and Syria, according congressional sources.

The bill may allow the 3,000 troops currently deployed in Iraq to assist in the war by spotting for airstrikes. It may also permit the use of special operations forces to rescue downed pilots.

War would be conducted against the Islamic State and its "associated forces."

The proposal is expected to spark debates that may last for months about presidential war powers and the commitment to another uncertain engagement in the Middle East.

Congress has not voted to give a president formal authority for a military operation since 2002 for the war in Iraq.

If the proposal is approved, the next president of the United States would inherit a war from his predecessor, as did Obama from former President George W. Bush.

The war against the Islamic State will exist simultaneous to the War on Terror, which began in 2001 after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Obama has used the ongoing War on Terror to justify previous military action such the use of drone strikes in Yemen.

Some Democrats feel the 2001 Authorization to Use Military Force in the War on Terror has been used too broadly to take military action against its original intended uses. They fear the same may happen for the war powers bill Obama proposes.

About 7,000 U.S. military personnel have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The wars may cost taxpayers up to $6 trillion.

Recently, Obama again condemned the Islamic State, calling it a "hateful and abhorrent terrorist group" after confirming the death of Kayla Mueller, an American hostage of the Islamic State.

"No matter how long it takes, the United States will find and bring to justice the terrorists who are responsible for Kayla's captivity and death," Obama said.

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