THE PRESIDENT does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation."
That was the answer of candidate Barack Obama in 2007 to a question posed by a reporter about whether the executive could initiate a bombing campaign against Iran without Congressional authorization. Yet despite this ostensibly categorical stance, two weeks ago President Obama commenced an air campaign against Libya without Congressional approval. The Constitution vests Congress with the exclusive responsibility to determine when military action is appropriate. Article I, Section 8 states, in no uncertain terms, that "Congress shall have power
Read More
YOUNIS: U.Va.’s study abroad program in the UAE is an endorsement, not an education
By Ayat Younis | January 5, 2026Study abroad programs like this one are implicit, institutional endorsements that certify the host state's compliance with the University’s ethical, educational and safety standards, all of which serve as a form of soft-power validation.
LETTER: When everything is labeled hazing, nothing is
By Scott Gleason | January 4, 2026Worse still, over-policing benign practices risks driving genuinely harmful behavior underground.
EDITORIAL: The tumultuous year, in our own words
By Editorial Board | January 3, 2026Our articles are typically published under the monolithic title of “EDITORIAL.” This article, however, intends to capture the parts of the whole — the seven students behind the sign-off.
