The Political Battle over Going to War

The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, and President Obama has formally asked it to authorize limited warfare against ISIL, the so-called Islamic State.

Republicans and Democrats agree on his objective — but they're divided about his proposal. The President's military action would last for just three years with no "enduring" ground combat, but he'd also leave in effect the many options given George W. Bush after 911. For conservative Republicans, there are too many limits. For liberal Democrats, there aren't enough. As positions are being staked out on Capitol Hill, what would it really take to destroy the Islamic State?