Dennis Kucinich (D) and Ron Paul (R) force debate over Af-Pak war.

In a rare show of bipartisan co-operation the liberal Democrat Kucinich together with the libertarian oriented Ron Paul (R) forced a rare debate on the Afghan war and presence of U.S. military advisors and special forces in Pakistan.

The two congressmen offered a resolution ordering President Barack Obama to withdraw U.S. military personnel from Pakistan, saying their presence violates the War Powers Act since it was not approved by Congress. The resolution failed by a very large margin 38-372. The antiwar Democrats are obviously a feeble few. Only 32 Democrats voted for the measure and 6 Republicans as well.

Many opposed used the argument that the War Powers Act only covers troops engaged in hostilities. It seems that in the case of special forces they would be engaged in hostilities. Of course their presence will never be admitted in any event.

The debate gave an opportunity for lawmakers to express their views on the Afghan war as well with divisions within the Democratic party made obvious. However, there are also a few courageous Republicans who are willing to speak out against the war as well. Ron Paul being the best known.

Some likened the secret operations in Pakistan to those during the Vietnam war era. The operations grew into a very unpopular and bloody war. However the situation is hardly comparable since the U.S. is already heavily involved next door in Afghanistan. But the war could easily spread with greater intervention in Pakistan. Already the drone war has expanded greatly under Obama. Others claimed that U.S. military operations were much more transparent now. I do not know what evidence shows that to be the case. Perhaps the Pentagon is considering financing Wikileaks.

Ron Paul said Congress has been abdicating its responsibility to oversee military activities.

"We just capitulate and give them the money and do whatever," he said. "The American people don't know about it until we get deep into these quagmires."

Howard BermanHoward Berman(D) argued that no U.S. forces in Afghanistan are engaged in hostilities in Pakistan. The 120 U.S. trainers simply aid the Pakistani military in counterinsurgency techniques. The War Powers Act only deals with engagement in hostilities not just the presence of military forces in a foreign country. No doubt this distinction would sanction the presence of U.S forces in literally dozens of bases around the globe.

Ron Paul rejected the distinction and claimed that hostile actions were going on even though there were no U.S. troops directly fighting. No mention of the drone warfare. It would seem that there can be hostile acts by a U.S. presence in a country without any troops being involved at all.

The role call on the vote is available herel