60 Words, 20 Years

The '60 Words, 20 Years' episode of 'Radiolab' reflects on the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), a mere 60-word sentence passed by Congress just days after the September 11, 2001, attacks. The episode delves into the origins of the AUMF, which granted the President the power to use all necessary force against those responsible for 9/11 and to prevent future acts of terrorism against the United States. The narrative begins with the story of Congresswoman Barbara Lee, the sole member of Congress to vote against the AUMF, voicing concerns about its broad and undefined scope. The episode draws parallels with the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which escalated the Vietnam War, highlighting the dangers of giving the executive branch open-ended war powers.

The AUMF has since been used to justify a wide range of military actions, from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to drone strikes and detention practices like those at Guantanamo Bay. The episode describes how the AUMF's language has been interpreted and expanded to include 'associated forces,' a term not originally in the document but now used to encompass various groups linked to Al Qaeda. The episode questions the legality and morality of such expansions and the lack of transparency regarding whom the United States is at war with, as the list of associated forces is classified.

The episode also examines the role of lawyers in modern warfare, particularly in the decision-making process for drone strikes and targeted killings. It portrays a world where the lines between war and peace are blurred, and the executive branch holds significant power to conduct military operations without clear oversight or an end in sight. The podcast concludes with a look at the ongoing debate about the AUMF's repeal and the challenges of redefining the United States' approach to war in the 21st century.