Why hasn't the U.S declared war on Iraq?

Question

Is it true that the last time the U.S. declared war was during WW2, and why is this?

Answer 1

as far as i know, the US has only declared war 4 times. WWI, WWII, Spanish-American, and the War of 1812. We've been in numerous "wars" that Congress never declared a war. Mostly because of bi-partisan bull crap. Also because there's been several conflicts where we've ingaged non-state enemies. i guess it's kinda hard to declare war officially on terrorists and rebels when you have people feel differently on the issue. maybe that's why we as a people are finding it hard to sympathize with this war and others like it (vietnam). people need to realize that these people hate EVERYONE that don't believe in what they do. and they will kill to get their point across. it was that way before we went to the region. but, anyways..... i think that's a mute point for all those who just jump on a cause bandwagon and listen to the wrong people and don't do their own research and make up their own damn mind.

Answer 2

No need to declare war on a defeated nation. The only people we ar fighting over there now are insurgents who don't want the government we installed.

One note of correction for Jason War was declared on the Barbary Pirates so that would make the count 5 times war has been declared.

Answer 3

Because on a formal declaration of war a number of other laws come into effect:

1) All restrictions on the size of the US armed forces are removed
2) The economy is converted to the maximum production of military material.
3) Price controls come into effect
and other things.

We only declare war if the crisis is so great that a 100% national effort is required to fight it.

Answer 4

No need to declare war on Iraq. We have already defeated their military and helped the Iraqi's depose their tyrant leader, who has been subsequently put to death. We are now trying to help them rebuild their country and rid them of an insurgency that only wishes to destroy the advances they have made.

Yes, the last time the US declared war was on December 8, 1941, against japan. We never did declare war on Germany or other Axis Powers in WWII.

Answer 5

They often declare operations as a police action or something similar so they can get around the formal declarations and rules of war. This really isn't a war in the traditional sense, there are multiple opponent factions and the enemy does not have a uniform. Also, there is not a defined battleground.

Answer 6

Yes, it is true that the last US declaration of war was in December 1941.

Why? Not sure. Not even sure if it matters.

When a president goes before Congress and asks for authorization to use force, and for money for the operation, the approval of these is tantamount to issuing a declaration of war.

Answer 7

Congress normally avoids declaring war whenever possible, I guess for election purposes. Even after the Japanese attack and Hitler declaring war on the USA some congressmen were reluctant to declare war.

Answer 8

Because the 1948 Geneva conferance attended by the USA and most of the free world, declared all declarations of war by one nation state against another, is illegal and a war crime!..Thats why the US govt doesnt declare war against another, Yhey just invade with 'notification', and its legal!

Answer 9

i think that we actually like most iraqis, and declaring war on them would sort of send the wrong message. and declaring war on a certain person (irrelevant now) doesnt really work...

Answer 10

Because its a war on terrorism not war on iraq.. supposibly