“National Security Powers: Are the Checks in Balance” by M. Ulrich

The entire article deals with the critical analysis of the paper by Marybeth Ulrich named “National Security Powers: Are the Checks in Balance”. The investigation the matters explained in the paper is done to seek out relevance and irrelevance depicted in it. 2008 U.S. military intervention into Iraq was failure of both Congress and the President to understand “proper role, powers, and limitations in foreign policy” says author. It is examined to provide conclusions and suggestions. Later part will try to dig out required approaches of US towards the Afghanistan issue.

Introduction

The work entitled: “National Security Powers: Are the Checks in Balance?” moves through a smooth path of analysis of different strategies known in foreign alliances. The War Powers Resolution includes statements on the matter of Congress and Presidential policies on decision making and international hostilities. U.S. intervention in Iraq failed to adhere to the Constitutional principles of a national security process in which many explicit powers are granted specifically to Congress. 2^nd session of the 107^th Congress extending ‘HJ Res. 114’ and ‘Authorization for the Use of Force against Iraq Resolution of 2002’, failed ridiculously argues Ulrich.

The terrorist attack in US on September 11, 2001 compelled 1^st session of the 107^th Congress to pass S.J. Res. 23. ‘Authorization for Use of Military Force’ was passed which claims attack and suppresses the alliances of terrorism and attack that occurred. This joint resolution gave ultimate authority to president in the matter to take any decision of forced suppression of terrorism. These were carried out in order to eliminate least chance of another terrorist attack over US by any such nations or organizations. Utilizing the authority given by P.O. 107-243, former President George W. Bush launched the pre-emptive military action against Iraq on March 19, 2003.

U.S. Constitutional Principles

Marybeth Ulrich states that the framers of the U.S. Constitution envisaged the Congress to safeguard legislative authority. Ulrich unveils the records of different action plans to dig out the deeds of presidents to just expand their power by successful abusing of uncertainty. The power given by the Congress actually made Bush a self possessed President who made shockingly wide invasions against the countries. The authentically forwarded laws failed utterly to put a stop to his activities gaining global rage and disgrace. The action plan was just a confrontation on fright and utilized intrinsic legitimate power to delegate American populace alleged of radical bustle to punish. They were deprived of any rights and were locked up as culprits without any trial till the end of imaginary war. The Executive Branch of the U.S. government has increased over time in its power and this increase represents an imbalance that threatens to eradicate the system of checks and balances which was established to ensure that no single branch of the government can engulf the other branches of the U.S. government. Branding was done by “brutal governance, international isolation, a paralyzed economy, and the denial of basic human rights to the Afghan people — especially women and girls” (Eisenhower 2009, p.2). But those branding captions were made real by US activities alone creating an ever burdening situation of life in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan and the U.S. Congress

The situational studies clearly explain on the unwanted interference of US in Afghanistan. As Ulrich interpreted in her statements of criticism, US should withdraw their forces from Afghanistan. The scenario existing there was created by US intervention and they are authorized to clean out the bizarre. For this US Congress who authorized the president in doing these should deprive him of that power and control. The legitimate rights and duties are to be kept intact, taking away extra supremacy of President. The interference of US in other nation’s constitutional setup should be stopped with immediate effect. The military involvement in Afghanistan by US should be replaced with helping hands of development. There had been much real terrors for the natives due to virtual fright of US, so they are to be helped. No country should get authority to declare and conduct war against or inside any countries, which was happening during last few years. The intervention of US in Afghanistan constitution should be stopped so that they can create their developmental plans according to their situation and resources. The major strategy to be adopted by Congress is to help Afghanistan to eradicate the poverty with epidemic attacks in various Afghan societies due to US activities. They should clear the situation created by them, so that Afghanistan get a chance to achieve a better situation out of current sorrowful environment.

Summary and Conclusion

Analysis exhibits the view of Marybeth Ulrich on the Constitutional principles of governmental power according to the checks and balances clearly set out in the US. Constitution has been abridged in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and as a result there has been a shift in the powers vested in the Executive Branch of government. The entire quandary that accompanied has been noted in “National Security Powers: Are the Checks in Balance?” She achieved in creating factual picture of the matter in the mind of reader, putting forward a well established conclusion and suggestions for US Congress.