The Washington Post is reporting that on the website of one of Al Qaeda's affiliates, the terror group is complaining that the killing of Anwar al Alawki last week was a violation of US law. I realize that some of the farther our politicos in the US have made the same point. Ron Paul, Moveon.org and the ACLU have joined in that position. But Al Qaeda? Really? The same Al Qaeda that killed 3000 US citizens on 9-11? This is the group that is concerned about whether or not America can kill enemy combatants if they also happen to be US citizens? Unbelievable!
The only way to clearly understand this issue is to take it back to another context. During World War 2, there were a few American citizens who went to work for the Nazis or the Japanese. A very few even joined the armed forces of America's enemies. Did the Marines on Okinawa have to check for American citizens before firing at the Japanese soldiers? Did the forces that landed in Normandy have to check identities before firing back at the German forces? Of course not. It is called "war". For those who seem confused, during a war, the government has the right to have its forces kill the forces of the enemy. Right now, al Qaeda is out enemy and anyone who is part of al Qaeda is a valid target. No trial is needed. No probable cause is needed. All that is needed is for the target to be part of al Qaeda.
Before I get the e-mails telling me that Congress never "declared" war, let me hasten to add that there was a resolution passed after 9-11 which acts as a declaration of war. So, save yourself the time of composing the e-mail.
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