HALIFAX—When will America wake up to the reality that its democracy and peace in the world are both at risk from the bully in the bully pulpit?

When will that country realize that three more years of Trumpian chaos could end in unfixable catastrophe?

These questions are not hyperbolic, but reflect history as it is unfolding under United States President Donald Trump. As you read these words, the president has dispatched thousands of troops to the Middle East where he is at war with Iran. There are wars of necessity, and wars of choice. Trump has created a third category: wars of whimsy.

Yes, Trump—not the U.S.—is at war with Tehran. The American people were never consulted about the attack. Congress, which has exclusive constitutional power to sanction going to war, never gave its blessing to this gross misadventure. Trump did not bother to seek congressional permission. Not a single hearing was held before this dreaded decision to bomb and bully was unilaterally taken by the president.

Nor did the United Nations authorize the war. In fact, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has condemned it. Bottom line? Trump’s war is illegal under both U.S. and international law.  

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