The Legal Argument Behind Drone Strikes

In the interview, Professor Chesney states, “As an initial matter, the U.S. government asserts authority to use force against a specific set of groups—most notably al Qaeda and the Islamic State—pursuant to an authorization for use of military force (AUMF) passed by Congress in 2001, shortly after 9/11.  That statute authorizes force against whichever group the president determines is responsible for the attack (al Qaeda), and any entity harboring them (Afghan Taliban).”  

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