Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) was questioned whether he said that international law would have constrained the US from killing Osama bin Laden. Paul said not only did vote for the authorization to go after bin Laden, but frustrated that it took ten years to get him. But on the point of international law, Paul said he thinks that the US should respect other nations’ soverignty more often.
“What I suggested there was that if we have no respect for the sovereignty of another nation that it will lead to disruption of that nation,” Paul said. “Here we have a nation that we are becoming constantly trying to kill people who we consider our enemies. At the same time we are giving the government of Pakistan billions of dollars. Now there’s a civil war going on, people are mad at us. The government is getting money from us and I think it’s a deeply flawed policy. But to not go after him, and if I voted for the authority, obviously I think it was proper.”
After being pressed on the issue, Paul was booed for his position, essentially saying he wouldn’t unilaterally endorse American free reign to use military force.
