First term Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) has introduced a bill that would prohibit the Bush Administration from conducting “unprovoked” military operations in Iran without a Congressional OK. In a floor statement, Webb said the measure “would restore a proper balance between the executive and legislative branches when it comes to the commencement of military activities.” Webb also noted that he takes this action despite being “one of the early voices warning that in terms of national security, Iran was a far greater threat than Iraq.” Rumors are still rampant that the US intends to tackle Iran militarily, despite repeated Administration denials. Of course, Vice President Dick Cheney recently fueled the fire with his statement that all options remain open.
U.S. Southern Command recently announced its first lethal strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in two months, and the first under a newly formed permanent counter-cartel task force. The U.S. is also reportedly planning to transfer MQ-9 drones to Colombia to bolster its counter-cartel efforts.