We are not only going to war endlessly with the AUMF, we are even planning future wars.

...Department designation of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (“FTOs”), (click here)  the proposal would have Congress enact a new blanket framework statute authorizing the use of military force against as-yet-undetermined future terrorist organizations, and delegate to the Executive Branch the authority to designate those organizations against which such force may be used if and when the relevant criteria are met. If press reports are accurate, the Hoover paper is but one of a number of competing proposals that have been circulated in favor of a “new”—or, at least, expanded—AUMF.12...  

The AUMF is the Counterterrorism DOCTRINE for the USA. So, when President Obama states this is not a war, but, is counterterrorism, that is because the AUMF enforces his actions.