Speaker of the House John Boehner Sends Letter to Obama on Military Action in Libya … What’s the Mission?

Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), in the wake of the United States Launching cruise missiles and taking military action against Libya, has sent a letter to President Barack Obama requesting answers as to what the mission is and what America’s role is in achieving that mission. Since the first cruise missiles werelaunched, the muddled and mixed message from Obama and his minions has been beyond confusing. Obama has stated that Khaddafi should step down, yet others in his Admin have stated they are not targeting Khadaffi and a scenario could occur where he remains in power after all is said and done. What?

I respect your authority as Commander-in-Chief and support our troops as they carry out their mission.  But I and many other members of the House of Representatives are troubled that U.S. military resources were committed to war without clearly defining for the American people, the Congress, and our troops what the mission in Libya is and what America’s role is in achieving that mission.  In fact, the limited, sometimes contradictory, case made to the American people by members of your Administration has left some fundamental questions about our engagement unanswered.  At the same time, by contrast, it appears your Administration has consulted extensively on these same matters with foreign entities such as the United Nations and the Arab League. 

It is my hope that you will provide the American people and Congress a clear and robust assessment of the scope, objective, and purpose of our mission in Libya and how it will be achieved.  Here are some of the questions I believe must be answered:

Boehner went on to ask the following questions that many Americans are asking as well. Since when is the United nations a substitute for the United States?

A United Nations Security Council resolution does not substitute for a U.S. political and military strategy.  You have stated that Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi must go, consistent with U.S. policy goals.  But the U.N. resolution the U.S. helped develop and signed onto makes clear that regime change is not part of this mission.  In light of this contradiction, is it an acceptable outcome for Qadhafi to remain in power after the military effort concludes in Libya? If not, how will he be removed from power?  Why would the U.S. commit American resources to enforcing a U.N. resolution that is inconsistent with our stated policy goals and national interests?  

As reported at The Hill, Boehner also went on to ask about the planned transfer of authority to an international coalition and how the U.S. would respond if the coalition broke apart. He also asked how long Obama anticipated the military operations to last and how this military action would have on the federal budget. And finally, what would be considered “Mission Accomplished.”