President Biden & War Powers: Presidents Have Broad Latitude

NRPLUS MEMBER ARTICLE

P
resident Biden’s airstrike against a pro-Iran militia base in Syria on February 26 may do little to change the balance of power in the Middle East. A few bombs, which allegedly killed or wounded one or two fighters, did little to deter Tehran’s low-intensity campaign against the U.S. military in Iraq. Nevertheless, the Biden administration hopes that its light tap on militant wrists that will restore the Iran nuclear deal and usher in a new understanding with the mullahs over the Middle East.

Biden’s strike reflects similar ambitions to reset the constitutional order at home. Like the strike’s strategic effects, however, …