U.S. Begins Airstrikes Against ISIL in Syria
The United States began bombing Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIS or ISIL) targets in Syria last night. According to the U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East and Central Asia, the United States military and its allies hit ISIS terrorists and facilities, including headquarters and their training grounds. They also attacked the Khorasan Group, an al-Qaeda affiliate. “We will not tolerate safe havens for terrorists who threaten our people”, President Barack Obama said on Tuesday.
Previous airstrikes had been limited to spots in Iraq, with the Iraqi government’s blessing. The U.S. government has said that the country would not work with the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad, who is also battling ISIS, but it did inform Syrian diplomats at the United Nations of the airstrikes. According to the Central Command, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates participated.
As of this writing the four top congressional leaders had not released formal statements about the airstrikes. Speaker of the House John Boehner of Ohio posted on Facebook, “#ISIL is a direct threat to the safety and security of the United States and our allies. Airstrikes are just one step in what must be a larger effort to destroy and defeat this terrorist organization.” Homeland Security Committee member Representative Peter King of New York tweeted, “All Americans must stand w/Pres Obama in our war against ISIS – particularly tonight’s air strikes in Syria”.
All Americans must stand w/ Pres Obama in our war against ISIS – particularly tonight’s air strikes in Syria
— Rep. Pete King (@RepPeteKing) September 23, 2014
Politico: U.S. Launches Airstrikes in Syria
National Journal: The U.S. Military Has Begun Striking ISIS in Syria
USA Today: Obama: We Will Go After “Safe Havens” in Syria
U.S. Central Command: U.S. Military, Partner Nations Conduct Airstrikes Against ISIL in Syria
House Judiciary Committee Presses for Immigration Executive Action Information
The House Judiciary Committee Republicans sent a letter on Tuesday to President Barack Obama requesting information about Executive actions he intends to take on immigration. They asked that he publicize any proposals offered by the Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Attorney General Eric Holder. Doing so would allow Americans to judge whether the actions were fitting, the Republicans argued.
“Regarding actions you are planning that you believe would comply with the Constitution, the least the Administration can do is give Americans the opportunity to see the recommendations that you are considering before you take any actions. Rather than attempt to hid these actions from the American people until after the midterm elections, Americans should be given the chance to come to their own conclusions as to the merits of these recommendations”, the letter states.
Politico: House GOP Letter: Reveal Exec Orders
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