One day after a successful pre-emptive defensive strike took out Iran’s top exporter of terror, Qassim Soleimani, the US State Department and President Trump are arguing that the strike was necessary to save American lives.
US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus tells Sky News the US “made the decision that the risk of keeping Qassem Soleimani alive was a much greater risk than taking him out.”
Read more on this story: https://t.co/uzYzSAci2R pic.twitter.com/jDfrm40I7L
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 3, 2020
Ortagus stated: “We killed a terrorist yesterday.”
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the strike was designed to disrupt Soleimani’s plots, deter further plotting by Iran, and de-escalate tensions with Iran.
For more on Soleimani and his past go here.
President Trump justifies the strike
President Trump issued a statement justifying the strike:
General Qassem Soleimani has killed or badly wounded thousands of Americans over an extended period of time, and was plotting to kill many more… but got caught!
“He was directly and indirectly responsible for the death of millions of people, including the recent large number of PROTESTERS killed in Iran itself. While Iran will never be able to properly admit it, Soleimani was both hated and feared within the country. They are not nearly as saddened as the leaders will let the outside world believe. He should have been taken out many years ago!”
In his first official appearance since Soleimani’s death, President Trump answered his critics with, “We took action to stop a war, not to start a war.”
WATCH:
Neither Bush nor Obama went after Soleimani
Neither President Bush or President Obama tried to take Soleimani out during their tenure. Bush thought it was too risky, and Obama wanted to improve relations with Iran. So, Soleimani continued his terrorist activities unopposed by the US until President Trump. Some described Soleimani as worse than Bin Laden or Al Baghdadi.
Senator Mitch McConnell justified the attack
Senator Mitch McConnell briefed the Senate and explained why Soleimani was such a threat, saying, “Soleimani made it his life’s work to take the Iranian revolutionary calls for “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” and turned them into action.” McConnel called Soleimani’s actions destabilizing for the entire middle east.
Democrats assert that the President needed congressional authorization
Unsurprisingly, the Democrats are criticizing President Trump, saying that he should have gotten authorization before taking Soleimani out. 2020 candidate Tulsi Gabbard said that the strike was an act of war against Iran and hadn’t been authorized by Congress. Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff, Chuck Schumer, and Pete Buttigieg echoed similar opinions.
But the war in Iraq, where Soleimani was killed, was authorized by Congress in 2001 by an almost unanimous vote.
The preamble of the ‘‘Authorization for Use of Military Force’’ states:
Whereas, on September 11, 2001, acts of treacherous violence were
committed against the United States and its citizens; and
Whereas, such acts render it both necessary and appropriate that
the United States exercise its rights to self-defense and to protect
United States citizens both at home and abroad; and
Whereas, in light of the threat to the national security and foreign
policy of the United States posed by these grave acts of violence;
and
Whereas, such acts continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary
threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United
States; and
Whereas, the President has authority under the Constitution to
take action to deter and prevent acts of international terrorism
against the United States:
IRGC and Qods designated Terrorist organization
Obviously, the president has a duty to defend Americans against terrorism, and Soleimani was a terrorist. Indeed, the president designated “Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including its Qods Force, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act” on April 8, 2019. Soleimani was the Iranian Quds Force commander.
Congress approved the War on Terror long ago, and the strike on Soleimani was another action in that war. The strike was not a declaration of war, it was just another action in an ongoing war against terrorism. Congress could amend the authorization, but, Congress is too busy with impeachment to worry about re-visiting the Authorization of Military Force.
Senator Lindsay Graham justifies the attack
Senator Lindsey Graham was asked if the president should have consulted Congress before the strike against Soleimani. He responded that that would be the last thing the president should do.
Graham emphasized that the strike against Soleimani was not an act of revenge, but a pre-emptive defensive strike to disrupt Soleimani’s plans to attack Americans. Graham also said that Soleimani is dead today because he miscalculated what President Trump would do.
Graham advised that the US needs to let Iran know what will happen if they try to retaliate. He said that if the Iranians know what we will do, it will moderate their response.
Graham also warned that Iran has armed Iraqi Shiite militias and that the Iraqi government is in danger of being destabilized by Iranian influence.
Iran threatens “crushing” revenge
Iran’s Supreme leader Khameini is threatening “crushing revenge.” He is portraying Soleimani as a martyr. More to come.
Is a war with Iran next?
Fox News contributor Walid Phares suggests that Iran is not ready for a war with the US.
WATCH:
393 Responses
I love it whenever people come together and share views. Great site, keep it up!
That is a very good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate info… Thank you for sharing this one. A must read article!
Thank you so much for giving everyone remarkably pleasant chance to check tips from this site. It is usually very pleasant plus packed with a great time for me personally and my office mates to visit your web site at least three times a week to read the latest items you have got. Not to mention, I’m actually happy with all the good opinions you serve. Certain 3 ideas in this post are definitely the most impressive we have ever had.
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always helpful to read content from other authors and practice something from their websites.
Right now it appears like WordPress is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Saved as a favorite, I really like your website!
Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and may come back very soon. I want to encourage you to continue your great job, have a nice weekend!
Awesome blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your theme. Cheers
Appreciating the hard work you put into your site and detailed information you offer. It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed information. Great read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Appreciating the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you provide. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed information. Fantastic read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept preaching about this. I will send this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Hi would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a honest price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!
The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not disappoint me as much as this particular one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, but I actually thought you would probably have something interesting to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something that you could possibly fix if you weren’t too busy searching for attention.
Good info. Lucky me I ran across your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I have bookmarked it for later!
After going over a number of the articles on your blog, I honestly like your technique of blogging. I book marked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future. Please check out my web site too and let me know how you feel.
Next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not disappoint me just as much as this particular one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read through, however I truly believed you’d have something helpful to say. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something you can fix if you weren’t too busy searching for attention.
Everything is very open with a precise description of the issues. It was truly informative. Your website is very helpful. Many thanks for sharing!
Right here is the perfect web site for everyone who wants to understand this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject that’s been discussed for a long time. Wonderful stuff, just great!
You’ve made some good points there. I checked on the net to learn more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.
I wanted to thank you for this good read!! I absolutely loved every bit of it. I have got you book-marked to look at new things you post…
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the highest quality websites on the web. I will highly recommend this site!
The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not disappoint me just as much as this one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, however I genuinely thought you’d have something interesting to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something you could possibly fix if you were not too busy looking for attention.
I enjoy looking through a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!
Very good post. I am facing a few of these issues as well..
Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.
I blog frequently and I seriously appreciate your information. This great article has really peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.
I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this during my hunt for something relating to this.
Hi, There’s no doubt that your site might be having browser compatibility problems. Whenever I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in I.E., it’s got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Other than that, fantastic site!
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesn’t disappoint me just as much as this one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read, nonetheless I truly believed you would have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something you could fix if you were not too busy searching for attention.
Hi there! This blog post could not be written any better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept talking about this. I most certainly will send this information to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a great read. Thanks for sharing!
Next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not fail me just as much as this particular one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, however I genuinely thought you would probably have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something that you could fix if you were not too busy searching for attention.
Hey would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with? I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Exceptional work!
You should take part in a contest for one of the most useful sites online. I will recommend this website!
Very good blog post. I definitely appreciate this site. Keep writing!
Hi, I do think this is an excellent website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may come back yet again since I book marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
Having read this I believed it was very enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and also the rest of the site is extremely good.
Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this information together. I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!
Hello, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility problems. When I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that, great blog!