Posted on 08/23/2011 2:37:59 PM PDT by nickcarraway
For Barack Obama, "leading from behind" has never looked so ... decisive. With Libyan rebels celebrating in downtown Tripoli, and Muammar el-Qaddafi apparently in hiding, the president's supporters are claiming vindication for a much-criticized approach to regime change in the Arab world.
Obama's strategy amounted to staying resolutely behind the scenes throughout the five-month NATO air operation. To wit: Don't say the United States is openly engaged in ousting Qaddafi. Don't even concede the United States is going to war. Take cover behind a political imprimatur for action from the Arab League and United Nations, and let Europe lead the strike forces. Then modestly take credit--albeit only with a restrained statement on Monday from Martha's Vineyard, where Obama is vacationing.
MORE FROM NATIONAL JOURNAL: Romney Playing Hands-Off When It Comes to Rick Perry Could We See a 'Libya Stimulus'? Huntsman Slams GOP Presidential Field "I think this is a tremendous achievement," said James Steinberg, Hillary Rodham Clinton's recently departed deputy secretary of State, who is now dean of the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. "The biggest factor to date is the fact that we [Americans] have not been the problem. People aren't saying the Americans are trying to do regime change. Whether in Tunisia or Libya or Egypt, we are seen as supportive of others. It's an obvious contrast with the previous administration.... And the fact that tyrants are not able to rally their people against us shows the nuance and skill of this. It's working."
Obama, with his administration in crisis over a staggering economy and mounting U.S. debt as he winds down two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,
(Excerpt) Read more at theatlantic.com ...
My guess is the average American is not very concerned with what happens in Libya. How much of taxpayers’ money did Obama spend on Libya? How much will he promise for their future?
I will not be surprised if Gaddafy goes like someone who has nothing left to lose.
Yet another situation where Obama voted “present” and now he wants to portray himself as George Freakin’ Patton.
Leave it to the elitists at the Atlantic to think Gadhafi’s overthrow somehow matters to Americans trying to find jobs and figure out how they’re going to pay their bills. Meanwhile, the same East Coast snobs snivel about Saddam’s overthrow and consider it a grave injustice. No war for oil here Atlantic?? This isn’t Obama’s victory, it’s the victory of the Libyan people. Obama didn’t risk a thing. Indeed, Obama had to be dragged kicking and screaming by the Europeans into even doing anything—and even then he denied we were involved during most of the conflict. Now suddenly it’s “Obama’s victory?” And let’s not forget he violated the constitution to carry out his end of it by not getting Congressional authority. Meanwhile, what will it cost us to rebuild Libya? Some victory.
The good vibe will last about as long as that great victory over Bin Laden - a week or two.
Of course if the Muzzie B’hood acts as expected, it’s another negative, but trivial compared to the economic problems.
Give the warmonger another peace prize and he can start more wars!
Just like Jimmah and Iran.
Well, talk about “Mission Accomplished” eh? Guess it all depends on who’s doing the boasting.
It remains to be seen whether what now follows in Libya will be Switzerland, or Somalia. The latter seems more likely. Let’s see where we are a year from now before we start claiming some great “victory”.
The good vibe will last until the tribal civial war starts. Then, the news media will behave as though Libya does not exist.
My money is on fundamentalist Islam and Iran style regimes. Not good.
Yea.
Atlantic magazine is such a Leftist pimp rag .
“...the president’s supporters are claiming vindication for a much-criticized approach to regime change in the Arab world.”
The critics will, of an absolute certainty, be vindicated when Libya emerges with a new leadership which is light years worse than Gaddafi ever was.
This whole thing has been folly right from the beginning.
Or find a way to blame it on the Tea Party.
civial = civil
It’s said he spent in excess of $100 Million..............all borrowed.
Yeah.
THAT’s the ticket!
Indeed.
“Obama’s plans for Libya would have worked had he not been needlessly distracted by the Tea Party terrorists during the debt ceiling debate.”
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