Posted on 03/02/2011 8:17:50 PM PST by MinorityRepublican
Senior U.S. defense officials tried to lower expectations of an international military intervention in Libya, as rebels, fighting off a key offensive by forces loyal to Col. Moammar Gadhafi, called for foreign airstrikes.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates, testifying before Congress, criticized "loose talk" about any military intervention in Libya, where military rebels and civilian opponents of the government are trying to topple Col. Gadhafi.
The U.S. and allies have discussed the prospect of imposing a no-fly zone over the North African country to prevent Col. Gadhafi from using air forces to strike at protesters. But Mr. Gates on Wednesday made clear the U.S. military would have to launch pre-emptive strikes to destroy Libya's air defenses if President Barack Obama ordered the imposition of a no-fly zone,
"Let's just call a spade a spade," Mr. Gates said. "A no-fly zone begins with an attack on Libya."
Mr. Gates's words were the strongest public indication of skepticism within the administration about establishing a no-fly zone, especially without broad international support.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
The United States will do nothing while Obama is in office.
Obama votes “present”? No, seriously?
Good for Gates to cool it on this one. His comments about how one ‘does’ a no fly zone - by attacking Libya and wiping out their air defenses - was a good reminder for everyone that it just doesn’t happen by buzzing around Tripoli once or twice. We need another war in the Middle East like we need a hole in the head. No more blood and treasure for these people, and no more interventions that help bring Islamists to power. Let these people pay the price for liberty, then maybe they’ll want to keep it.
Let the Bombing begin! Maybe 500 cruise missiles could take him down a notch or two....
Actually, I’m glad to see saner heads prevail on this one.
I don’t think it makes sense to risk our young men to try to help people who will resent us doing so.
Then in months or years the people we helped would be dancing in the streets when another attack hits the U. S.
I don’t like seeing any humans suffer, but the concept of “thanks” for these people is to bite the hand that feeds them.
Taking a pass is the right move here.
Notice that when we do pass other nations tend to step up to the plate which should have in the first place. Europe and the Arab League need to be on this...if anyone at all.
I agree. And then there’s this too. Hell, let the Libyans take out their own trash.
Maybe we should be dancing in our streets now that thousands of their citizens are toes up, see how they like it.
Our first instinct is to help people, even if it is the Libyans. Their first instinct is to look for a soft spot so they can stick the knife in deep.
I’m just tired of watching these people’s destructive ways.
Hillary's "3am ad" couldn't have been more on target with Obama.
I am TOTALLY WITH YOU, DoughtyOne !!
When you hand these Muslims freedom on a silver platter ....what do they do with it ?? If they want freedom let them fight for it themselves.....then maybe they will appreciate it !!
I find it amazing how Hellary and Obuma have become a timid variety of ‘NeoCon’ Hawks. The Leftist minds must be spinning like a tornado.
Also I agree that let these Islamic countries find their own level of democracy...we have already installed 2 ‘democratic’ islamic governments.
“as rebels, fighting off a key offensive by forces loyal to Col. Moammar Gadhafi, called for foreign airstrikes”
Uh, huh. And those very same rebels would turn against us if airstrikes help them gain control. Can`t trust any of them.
It is 3 AM and the president of the USA gets a phone call.
Chief of Staff - Michelle, where is Barack, he has a phone call.
Michelle - You are new? he is in a meeting with the new Social Secretary in the Oval Office.
Chief of Staff - Yes. I will take the phone call instead.
Please do not do anything the president is rather occupied at the time. Contact Robert Gates, he is the Secretary of Defense, and have a great day.
Who knows whether this is true or not, but one will just wonder. Rahm Emmanuel is no longer there and barack needs a girly man nearby.
I don’t want to help any stinkin’ muzzies. The more they kill each other, the better off we are. That’s the sorry truth of it, particularly as long as obathturd is in office.
Yep. Overt support by the US would be counterproductive; it would let Khadaffy’s propaganda machine misrepresent the rebellion as more nasty old “American Imperialism”.
Thanks W-Girl, we are on the same page. Take care.
We could very well come to wish we hadn’t become involved over there. I supported it and continue to, but the long term situation is something that is up in the air. It could very well turn out bad all the way around.
The question is, when someone attacks our nation, do we sit silently and take no actions? I think you have to do something, and Saddam Hussein was the go to guy because of his long term mouthing off in support of terrorists.
We’re in the region, the Taliban and Al Qaeda needed to be addressed.
Unless we’re going to withdraw from the international scene, we have to power when groups take us on.
I’m willing to listen to alternative ideas, but so far I haven’t heard any that made sense to me.
Does the West even have the capacity to enforce a No Fly zone in Libya?
Gates is correct. We have no business in Libya. Period.
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