Obama does not need Congress to intervene in Iraq

Barack Obama and US political leaders believe the president does not need Congress’ permission to take certain measures to quell the al Qaida-inspired uprising sweeping through Iraq, the Senate’s top Republican and others have said.

But the prospect of the president sidestepping Congress raises the potential for clashes between the White House and rank-and-file politicians, particularly if Mr Obama should launch strikes with manned aircraft or take other direct military action in Iraq.