BROOKINGS LIVE: President Obama’s Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the Islamic State

Last week, President Obama delivered to Congress a draft Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the self-declared Islamic State (also called ISIL, or ISIS). If passed by Congress, the joint resolution would authorize the president “to use the Armed Forces of the United States as the President determines to be necessary and appropriate against ISIL or associated persons or forces,” but with certain limitations, reporting requirements, and for only a three year period. This AUMF would also repeal the 2002 AUMF that authorized the Iraq War, but not the anti-terrorism 2001 AUMF.

Already, some lawmakers on Capitol Hill are saying the draft AUMF does not give the president enough flexibility. Others say it is balanced, but should also repeal the 2001 AUMF, which the Obama administration has said gives it authorization to conduct the current strikes against ISIS.

To help explain the legal issues involved and the security stakes in the region, on Tuesday, February 24, two Brookings experts participated in a live, online discussion via Spreecast. Benjamin Wittes, senior fellow and editor-in-chief of the Lawfare blog, and Michael O’Hanlon, senior fellow and director of research for Foreign Policy, offered their perspectives and took audience questions. Watch below or on Spreecast.

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Check out Brookings on the AUMF against ISIS on Spreecast.