Today I authorized the Armed Forces of the United States to begin a limited military action in Libya in support of an international effort to protect Libyan civilians.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Authorizes Limited Military Action in Libya | The White House

Yesterday, as you know, the President authorized the armed forces of the United States to begin a limited military action in Libya in support of an international effort to support and protect Libyan citizens.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

For more than a decade we have tried everything diplomacy, sanctions, inspections, limited military action except war to convince Saddam to keep the promises he made, and the U.N. endorsed, to end the Gulf War.

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By offering to meet personally with the Iraqi Foreign Minister, Tariq Aziz, and by proposing to dispatch the Secretary of State to Baghdad, President Bush has probably still further reduced his already limited latitude for necessary military action.

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And there have been a range of other U.S. military actions, such as the deployment of U.S. forces to Haiti as well, that took place consistent with that notion the President has the constitutional authority to undertake a limited, time-limited in scope and duration military action, but inform Congress through the War Powers report.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

The reason that this is a military action that is limited in time and duration -- in both scope and duration is precisely because we have a clear and focused goal and international backing.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

In a limited number of cases, the U.S. military has taken direct action in Somalia against members of al-Qa'ida, including those who are also members of al-Shabaab, who are engaged in efforts to carry out terrorist attacks against the United States and our interests.

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