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Obama asks Congress to authorize U.S. war on Islamic State

12 February 2015 02:29 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. U.S. President Barack Obama asked Congress on Wednesday to authorize military force against Islamic State that would bar any large-scale invasion by U.S. ground troops and limit operations to three years, APA reports quoting Reuters.

Republicans, who control Congress, put up swift resistance to the proposal. They say Obama's foreign policy is too passive and want stronger measures against the militants, also known as ISIL.

With Obama's fellow Democrats wary of another Middle East war, it could be difficult for the White House to win enough support to pass the bill, even though six months have passed since the military campaign began.

Some lawmakers predicted a vote as soon as March but others anticipated debate could last for months.

The proposed resolution says Islamic State "has committed despicable acts of violence and mass execution." Its militants have killed thousands of civilians while seizing territory in Iraq and Syria in an attempt to establish a hub of jihadism in the heart of the Arab world.

They have also generated international outrage by beheading several western journalists and aid workers and burning to death a Jordanian pilot.

Obama sent his request to Congress a day after his administration confirmed the death of Kayla Mueller, a 26-year-old aid worker who was the last known American hostage held by the group.

"I have directed a comprehensive and sustained strategy to degrade and defeat ISIL," Obama wrote in a letter to Congress, calling on lawmakers to back his proposal to "show the world we are united in our resolve to counter the threat posed by ISIL."

Both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives must approve Obama's plan. Lawmakers said they would begin hearings quickly. Senate Republicans were to meet later on Wednesday.

Republicans criticized Obama's proposal, particularly the limits it sets on using ground troops.

The Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner, told reporters the plan would face hearings and debate "and I'm sure changes," adding: "I'm not sure the strategy that has been outlined will accomplish the mission the president says he wants to accomplish."

Obama has defended his authority to lead an international coalition against Islamic State since Aug. 8 when U.S. fighter jets began attacks in Iraq. The formal request eased criticism for failing to seek the backing of Congress, where some accused him of breaching his constitutional authority.

With Republicans in control of Congress after routing Obama's Democrats in November elections, the president also wants lawmakers to share responsibility for the campaign against Islamic State and present a united front.

The White House said Obama would make a statement on his request at 3:30 p.m. (2030 GMT).