The 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, passed shortly after 9/11, authorizes the President of the United States „to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons“ who „planned, authorized, committed, or aided“ the 9/11 terrorist attacks „or harbored such organizations or persons.“ This bill gives the United States wide power to wage perpetual war around the world against alleged terrorist groups.

When the Obama administration entered office, it not only kept the AUMF in place, but expanded the bill‘s scope to continue the global war on terror. The Obama administration interprets the AUMF to include „associated forces“ – essentially co-belligerents – of al-Qaeda, even though the bill does not include those words.