It has been months since the United States began bombing raids to beat back murderous Islamic State militants running roughshod through the Middle East.
While President Obama was right to act against those who aim to create a dangerous caliphate, it’s also clear his administration for approval to continue the effort.
To that end, we were glad to see Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, introduce a last week that would set parameters for military action.
Schiff’s proposal would authorize military force against the Islamic State for three years, but only in Iraq and Syria. It would prohibit American combat troops from being deployed. Three years is long enough for this president to finish out his term and give his successor a cushion of time in which to decide how to proceed.
The limited nature of engagement also should give comfort to Americans weary of endless war. Furthermore, the bill would repeal a post-9/11 resolution allowing military action in Iraq, which this administration uses to justify its actions against the Islamic State.
Battling this threat is a priority, but it must be done with respect for the law and the Constitution.
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