visionary Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 http://twitter.com/acarvin "Whoever is running this can't afford to fail at this point." - Wesley Clark on CNN 26 minutes ago via TweetDeck You can put up aircraft immediately; you could do that tomorrow. Or you could communicate with him, keep the threat over his head. - W Clark 23 minutes ago via TweetDeck Wes Clark: You can't allow Gaddafi's people to stall for 2 days while he continues offensive. It needs to start quickly. U have to succeed. 6 minutes ago via TweetDeck Dear Gaddafi, here you go: ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈✈ - Not Love, The World about 1 hour ago via web ---------- Post added March-17th-2011 at 11:37 PM ---------- http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18 4:15am The EU welcomed the resolution on Libya, with the Jerzy Buzek, the Polish head of the European Parliament, saying: There is no time to waste [to enforce it]. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/egypts-military-has-begun-shipping-arms-over-the-border-to-libyan-revolutionaries/ 8:55 Reuters Norway will join the international military action against Gaddafi, the Norwegian defense minister is quoted to have said.“We will contribute to the operation,” Grete Faremo told the daily Verdens Gang. “But it is too early to say exactly in what way. Sending air capabilities would be natural.” He mentioned both fighter aircraft and humanitarian operations requiring air support. 9:40 Le Soir There is a broad consensus in on the need to prevent Gaddafi from crushing the revolution in Benghazi, the Belgian parliament observed on Thursday. Belgium is ready to participate in the military action, but exactly in which way Belgium can contribute will be discussed this morning. Read here (French). http://www.lesoir.be/actualite/monde/2011-03-18/la-belgique-prete-a-une-operation-militaire-en-libye-828970.php AFP Qatar will contribute to international efforts to protect Libyan civilians and has urged quick action to impose a no-fly zone on the North African country, state news agency QNA reports. 10:31 Eurocontrol, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation reports that Tripoli Air Traffic Control has put out a notice that Libyan airspace is closed and it will not accept any aircraft “until further notice”. (the regime is apparently using air attacks to hammer Misrata right now though) 11:04 Reuters NATO will discuss its role in the international efforts today. In order to act, NATO requires “a demonstrable need for the alliance to act, firm regional support and a clear legal basis”. By clear legal basis, it means that the 28 NATO states need to approve its involvement. Turkey has already spoken against alliance intervention in Libya, as has Germany. http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE72H0H320110318. Turkey and Germany could hold things up long enough for Gaddafi to make some more big gains. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18 12:35pm The Arab League chief says that the UN resolution was aimed at protecting civilians and not did not back any invasion, and said he did not want any side "to go too far".Amr Moussa said participation of any Arab state in implementing a "no-fly" zone or in other action would be discussed on a bilateral level as the League's own resolution backing a "no-fly" zone had not specified other steps by states. The goal is to protect civilians first of all, and not to invade or occupy. The resolution is clear on that point. We don't want any side to go too far, including Libya by attacking the civilian population. Our main task is to protect the Libyan civilian population. This is our task, this is our goal. http://twitter.com/jmsardo Breaking: France will host tomorrow an emergency euro-arab-africain summit in Paris to discuss #Libya #NFZ Press conf 15h Sat (v@Le_Figaro) 11 minutes ago via HootSuite http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18 1:12pm David Cameron, the UK's prime minister, says that his country will deploy Tornadoes and Typhoon aircraft in a Libya operation.The aircraft will move to airbases in coming hours from where they can take action against the North African state. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 I wonder about the possibility of using the international airforce to move opposition fighters in the east and elsewhere to certain parts of western Libya. http://twitter.com/LibyaFeb17_com Belgium will contribute six F-16 fighter planes and a frigate to enforce no-fly zone - #feb17 #libya - http://t.co/0mY73h5 6 minutes ago via Tweet Button Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twa Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 I wonder about the possibility of using the international airforce to move opposition fighters in the east and elsewhere to certain parts of western Libya. So now you wish to add troop movement to the no-fly zone effort? yjat didn't take long Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 So now you wish to add troop movement to the no-fly zone effort?yjat didn't take long It's not just a no fly zone. It's a protect the civilians zone. If moving opposition fighters can help cities in the west, I don't see it being disallowed. http://twitter.com/LibyaInMe CONFIRMED:Aljazeera-France may start its operations within hrs while Turkey continues to reject any military intervention in #libya #feb17 12 minutes ago via web http://twitter.com/cnni BREAKING NEWS: Libyan Foreign Minister announces cease fire http://edition.cnn.com/ 5 minutes ago via web http://twitter.com/jmsardo More than a defeat, Gaddafi's cease-fire could be a way to make #UN to be seen as attacker if proceed with #NFZ #Libya #Benghazi 6 minutes ago via HootSuite ---------- Post added March-18th-2011 at 09:04 AM ---------- http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18 3:00pm Libyan authorities say they will release the four New York Times journalists who the publication reported as being missing two days ago, AFP reports. ---------- Post added March-18th-2011 at 09:08 AM ---------- http://twitter.com/tweetminster France (following #Libya ceasefire announcement): "threat on the ground has not changed" - Reuters (via @mpoppel) 5 minutes ago via TweetDeck http://twitter.com/LibyaFeb17_com Spain will allow Nato to use two of its military bases for the operation over Libya, according to AFP - #feb17 #libya - http://t.co/0mY73h5 3 minutes ago via Tweet Button ---------- Post added March-18th-2011 at 09:26 AM ---------- http://twitter.com/jmsardo Latest: French president met Qatar's Emir in Paris to discuss #Libya #NFZ. Sarkozy talked also w/Cameron and #EU Rompuy by phone. (@elysee) 6 minutes ago via HootSuite Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Posted March 18, 2011 Author Share Posted March 18, 2011 I'm wondering if maybe the thing that this coalition needs most, to get started, might well be some air traffic control. Wondering if Egypt and Tunisia/Algeria would object to an AWACS flying circles over their airspace, near the Libyan border. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18 3:32pm David Cameron, the UK's prime minister, says that the international community will judge Gaddafi's government by "his actions not his words". In comments to the BBC, he said: We will judge him by his actions not his words. What is absolutely clear is the UN Security Council resolution said he must stop what he is doing, brutalising his people. If not, all necessary measures can follow to make him stop. "That is what we agreed last night, that is what we are preparing for and we'll judge him by what he does." ---------- Post added March-18th-2011 at 10:25 AM ---------- http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18 4:03pm Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish prime minister, says that a ceasefire announced by Libya should take effect immediately.In a speech, he said: I learned that Libya called a ceasefire. We want the ceasefire to go into effect immediately and an end to the use of force against the civilian population." 4:11pm Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the Spanish prime minister, says the "international community is not going to be fooled by the Gaddafi regime". One thing must be clear: the international community is not going to be fooled by the Gaddafi regime. The international community, with all the means it has available, will carry out the resolution to the letter." Keep in mind that this guy is a socialist who came to power specifically on the back of the anti-war movement against the Iraq war. Also note that Kevin Rudd the former prime minister of Australia was calling for a no fly zone for weeks, and he also came to power in Australia as a strong liberal on an anti-war platform. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18 5:00pm Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, says that the US is "pleased" with the vote to impose a no-fly zone yesterday, and with the efforts by the international community to "come together to make clear to Colonel Gaddafi that he cannot continue violence against his people".She said that has has lost his legitimacy. Responding to the Libyan government's announcement of a ceasefire, she said: "We have to see actions on that ground, and that is not ata all clear." She added that the "final result" of the crisis would "have to be the decision by Colonel Gaddafi to leave" office. 5:20pm Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, says that it is "encouraging" that the Gaddafi government has responded to the UN resolution by calling a ceasefire, but that the world must wary not to be taken in by "diversionary tactics or tricks".5:21pm Merkel also asserted that Germany would not take part in any military intervention, which is why the country decided to abstain in the vote on the resolution. "We unreservedly share the aim of this resolution," she said. "Our abstention should not be confused with neutrality." 5:24pm Tunisia adds its name to the list of countries not taking part in military intervention in Libya.Taieb Bakouch, a government spokesman, told Reuters: It is out of the question. We will not take part in any military intervention against Libya, we will not take part in any way." Bah! :mad:http://twitter.com/IbnOmar2005 #Gaddafi: "Did i say cease fire? No no my accent is har-red to underrstand. I said "See Us Fire"" #libya #feb17 27 minutes ago via TweetDecklolhttp://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18 5:57pm The UN says that its aid envoy to Libya has failed to reach an agreement with the government regarding how an assessment on humanitarian needs in the country would be carried out, AFP reports. ---------- Post added March-18th-2011 at 12:18 PM ---------- http://twitter.com/acarvin Sec Clinton: Gadhafi's forces must pull 'a significant distance away from the east." -AP 7 minutes ago via TweetDeck Reuters: Libyan govt spokesman says the govt has already initiated the ceasefire. Anyone in Misurata, Ajdabiyah or Sirte care to comment? 2 minutes ago via TweetDeck More from Libyan govt spokesman via Reuters: No military operations have been launched today in Misurata or anywhere else. half a minute ago via TweetDeck ---------- Post added March-18th-2011 at 12:25 PM ---------- http://twitter.com/acarvin Reuters: Libya asks Malta and Turkey to help implement ceasefire. Wonder what the thinking is behind that. less than a minute ago via TweetDeck http://twitter.com/ksnavarra #Malta PM Gonzi: NO to military use of island 4 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® #Malta govt says YES to use of airspace passage to enforce #NFZ 2 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® I guess that means they can fly over Malta, but can't use Maltese bases. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18 6:02pm AFP, citing diplomatic sources, reports that the European Union has agreed in principle to enforce major new sanctions against Gaddafi's government, targetting both individuals and economic entities.An EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that 11 Gaddafi associates and nine economic entities will be affected. 6:55pm The European UNion will move to add Libya's National Oil Corporation to the list of those entities affected by economic sanctions, EU diplomats have told Reuters.Meanwhile, Alain Juppe, the French foreign minister, says preparations to launch military strikes in Libya are complete. He also says that a ceasefire in Libya would have to cover the whole country, not just Benghazi. Regarding the military strikes, he said: We are ready, but I cannot give you more details. http://twitter.com/BaghdadBrian These tweets are courtesy of #TNC spokesperson Khaled Al Sayem #libya 4 minutes ago via Twitter for iPad Question do you have any communication with NATO regarding targeting or clarifying locations and coordinating with them or France, britain 3 minutes ago via Twitter for iPad Yesterdays coordination with international community and some locations have been specified for targeting #TNC #KhaledSanem 2 minutes ago via Twitter for iPad We are specifying targets on forces placing siege on cities that are being targeted such as ajdabiya misurata and zintan 2 minutes ago via Twitter for iPad #KhaledSanem it can happen at any time and we are waiting for this 1 minute ago via Twitter for iPad http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18 7:00pm France does not want NATO involved in any UN-sanctioned military action in Libya, as it would not send the "right signal" for the bloc to be seen intervening in an Arab country.French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero told AFP: France's position on NATO has been constant since the beginning. We do not want NATO involved. We do not think it would be the right signal to send that NATO as such intervenes in an Arab nation. Allies have not taken a political position concerning NATO's involvement." Um...what? So is he saying Nato countries would be involved but not through NATO?---------- Post added March-18th-2011 at 01:09 PM ---------- http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18 7:03pm The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says that improvements in security in Benghazi have allowed its team to return to the opposition stronghold. They had left two days ago, withdrawing expatriate aid workers to Tobruk. ---------- Post added March-18th-2011 at 01:16 PM ---------- http://twitter.com/BaghdadBrian And no we have not received any arms from the egyptioan government or any other 7 minutes ago via Twitter for iPad @arwadamon are you bringing arms yourself from Egypt #KhaledSanem until now we have received no military aid 6 minutes ago via Twitter for iPad Not sure whether to believe this last one. Might be something they want to keep quiet. Although the reports I saw earlier quoting US and Libyan opposition sources said that it had just started after the resolution was passed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twa Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Reports Misrata under heavy attack http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/18/us-libya-misrata-bombard-idUKTRE72H4L520110318 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brave Little Toaster Oven Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 when do you expected the first airstrikes to happen? I figured it would be within the next day or so once everyone got into position Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twa Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Could get interesting if he moves his forces inside the cities Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 when do you expected the first airstrikes to happen? I figured it would be within the next day or so once everyone got into position The opposition council has said it could happen in a matter of hours. France has said it is ready now. So I'm guessing any time now...if they actually intend to do them soon and are not waiting for more discussions first. http://twitter.com/ksnavarra #Malta PM Lawrence Gonzi has stressed with #Libya PM Baghdadi: 'for ceasefire to be credible, withdraw all military hardware now' 6 minutes ago via TweetDeck It seems Malta, Turkey, and Germany may be losing patience with Gaddafi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thiebear Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Chris Mathews going off on President Obama and how this 3rd Muslim country is being attacked with another leader being kicked out as an act of war. Hes consistent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Obama is giving a speech....now! http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18 8:16pm The International Committee of the Red Cross says that it will be moving food and essential household items into Libya from Egypt."Seven trucks carrying 145 tons of rice, sugar, oil, lentils and salt are on their way from Egypt to Tobruk," it says. 8:13pm The United States will deploy additional amphibious ships to the Mediterranean, the military has said.The USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group will deploy on March 23, "ahead of its original schedule in order to relieve units from the USS Kearsarge (Amphibious Ready Group)", a Pentagon statement read. ---------- Post added March-18th-2011 at 02:42 PM ---------- UPDATE http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18 8:29pm Obama says that the US is not acting alone in this matter, and marks out what the US will not be doing: The US is not going to deploy ground troops into Libya. And we are not going to use force to go beyond a well-defined goal: specifically the protection of civilians in Libya. 8:27pm Obama says that Gaddafi has lost the legitimacy to lead his people, and asserts that he must comply with the conditions set in the UN resolution. He says that Gaddafi must withdraw forces from Ajdabiyah, Misurata, Az Zawiyah and stop an advance on Benghazi, and must also restore water and power to all cities. http://twitter.com/Tripolitanian #Obama has basically promised #Libya everything they asked for, and for that we would like to thank him and the American people 4 minutes ago via web I do wonder how long the international community will give Gaddafi. He's already broken the ceasefire all morning and afternoon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Posted March 18, 2011 Author Share Posted March 18, 2011 The United States will deploy additional amphibious ships to the Mediterranean, the military has said.The USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group will deploy on March 23, "ahead of its original schedule in order to relieve units from the USS Kearsarge (Amphibious Ready Group)", a Pentagon statement read. That sounds like sending troops. At least to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 The Turkish foreign minister on Al Jazeera English right now, is saying that he supports the UN resolution and that it is necessary to help make sure that civilians in Libya are protected, though no foreign ground forces should be involved. He did say a ceasefire must be established now though. He also said that Gaddafi should step down and the government should be transitioned into a democratic one. ---------- Post added March-18th-2011 at 03:41 PM ---------- http://twitter.com/BBCWorld France, UK and US demand that Colonel #Gaddafi halt advance on #Benghazi and pull troops from several other #Libyan cities 5 minutes ago via TweetDeck http://twitter.com/feb17voices AJA breaking: Reuters: France, Britain and US request #Gaddafi to stop his approach towards #Benghazi. #Libya 6 minutes ago via TweetDeck AJA: Sourcing AFP: #France warns #Gaddafi to stop forces approaching #Benghazi now or he will face a military strike. #Libya 2 minutes ago via TweetDeck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18 9:53pm France, the United Kingdom, the United States and Arab countries have told Muammar Gaddafi to "immediately" end attacks against citizens or face a military intervention, a statement from the French presidency says.It says that "a ceasefire must be put in place immediately, that is that all attacks against civilians must come to an end". It also says that Gaddafi must "end his troops' advance on Benghazi and withdraw from Ajdabiyah, Misurata and Az Zawiyah... that is not negotiable". It warns that if Gaddafi does not comply, "the [uN] resolution will be imposed by military means". France is apparently hosting an international summit on what to do in Libya tomorrow. ---------- Post added March-18th-2011 at 04:57 PM ---------- UPDATE http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12776418 #2049: A Libyan government spokesman tells a press conference the ceasefire is "credible, real and valid". He says the government is calling for observers from Malta, China, Turkey and Germany to come to Libya as soon as possible. #2053: Our forces are currently stationed outside Benghazi and we have no intention of entering the city, the spokesman continues. ---------- Post added March-18th-2011 at 05:02 PM ---------- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12776418 #2059: No civilians have been killed in the government's military operations, the spokesman insists. All of those who have died were members of the armed forces or security forces, or were members of armed militias, he says. He also accuses the rebels of committing crimes against humanity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thiebear Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 No civilians killed. We are going house to house and killing anyone injured or who have a gun. Those are not civilains (Doesn't Congress need to do something here if we go to war?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sacase Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 I just find it funny how we have absoulte zero interest in Libiya and liberals are clamoring to "save the Libiyan people", yet where we had far more interest and reason to go into Iraq and Afghanistan (compared to Libiya) they complained. I still say keep out noses out of it. Let Europe handle their problems. Also, if we are not putting troops on the group, why are we moving two amphibous fleets to Libiya? If we wanted to provide air support, then a carrier group would do. Amphib ships are designed to put marines on the ground and provide them support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted March 19, 2011 Share Posted March 19, 2011 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12776418 #2154: US ambassador to the UN Susan Rice tells CNN that by continuing to advance towards Benghazi, Gaddafi is violating the UN Security Council resolution. He will face "swift and sure consequences including military action" if he continues to do so, she says. #2149: Germany's reluctance to join the UN coalition could damage the country's international standing, says newspaper Der Spiegel. "Although Berlin has not blocked military action by abstaining, the German government has marginalized itself. As a concession, Berlin will now beef up its mission in Afghanistan. But is it enough?" it asks. http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/egypts-military-has-begun-shipping-arms-over-the-border-to-libyan-revolutionaries/ 23:46 Reuters U.S. envoy Rice: Gaddafi is viloating U.N Security Council resolution adopted Thursday which demanded immediate ceasefire 23:42 Correction to our wording earlier: BBC reporter near RAF Mahram base has reported that a number of squadrons will deploy aircraft from this base including 9 Squadron, which specializes in SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defence), and 31 Squadron, which is known to be “Storm Shadow” capable. Storm Shadow is an anti-armour weapon for use against tanks and artillery etc. There may also be a contingent from 2 Squadron which specializes in recconnaisance. RAF Coningsby will also deploy Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, primarily for air defence operations and to provide protective cover to offensive aircraft. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/19/us-libya-germany-monitors-idUSTRE72I00I20110319?WT.tsrc=Social%20Media&WT.z_smid=twtr-reuters_%20com&WT.z_smid_dest=Twitter (Reuters) - Germany on Saturday dismissed a Libyan invitation to send observers to monitor a ceasefire between government forces and rebels, saying that only the United Nations should carry out the task. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-19 1:48am Gerard Araud, the French envoy to the UN, said he expects military intervention in Libya within hours of a Paris summit on Saturday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted March 19, 2011 Share Posted March 19, 2011 Interesting article by former Lt. General Honoré http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/03/18/honore.libya.coalition/index.html?hpt=T1 The freedom fighters facing down Moammar Gadhafi have a character and a cause that the Libyan Army does not have: They are fighting for their freedom, and Gadhafi's army is fighting to preserve his dominance over them.This is a similar situation to the one the first Americans faced in the Revolutionary War, when we fought the powerful British army. The British troops fought for King George III, and our Continental Army fought to claim the freedoms laid out in the Declaration of Independence. With a little help, the Libyan freedom fighters can win. In retrospect, the mission of stopping Gadhafi would have been easier if it were taken up three weeks ago. Nonetheless, the U.N. Security Council's resolution Thursday to authorize military action and the support from the Arab League have sent a signal. Gadhafi must be prevented from committing a massacre on his own people in Benghazi, the rebels' stronghold and Libya's second-largest city. The coalition's objective must be made clear to Gadhafi: you cross a line designated by coalition forces to protect rebels, and you will be targeted with Tomahawk Cruise missiles. The force should be also ready with a wing of drone aircraft equipped with Hellfire missiles to destroy Gadhafi's tanks and artillery.If Gadhafi's forces cross the line, the international coalition's navy must destroy his navy in the next 24 hours. Air power can use standoff missiles working with drones to kill his air defenses. The coalition force can use Patriot missiles that are currently in Tunisia, as well as Multiple Launch Rocket Systems with long-range missiles, and can provide counterfire artillery from Tunisia. Additionally the forces can shut down his internet connection and civilian communication, as well as disrupt his ability to communicate over TV and radio. We must have the will as a nation; the American people must get ready for another front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twa Posted March 19, 2011 Share Posted March 19, 2011 The ragin cajun thinks ya need all that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted March 19, 2011 Share Posted March 19, 2011 http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/03/18/obama.no.fly/index.html?hpt=T1 President Barack Obama is trying to limit the United States' role in enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya to support aircraft only and is very reluctant to commit any offensive U.S. firepower, a senior U.S. official familiar with the military planning discussions said Friday.Asked about the "unique capabilities" the president talked about contributing, the official said that at least for now, they would not involve combat fighters or bombers but instead would include AWACS, intelligence-gathering drones and other intelligence assets, and refueling and air traffic control. Defense officials said, "Don't just think of a no-fly zone as American pilots flying American fighter jets." They also emphasized how the U.S. could use radar planes to coordinate air traffic control, to guide fighter jets from other countries to conduct air strikes. They also talked about signal-jamming aircraft that could disrupt Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's ability to communicate with his forces. A spokesman for GOP Sen. Richard Lugar -- who as ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was briefed along with other congressional leaders by the president Friday afternoon at the White House -- said Obama focused on how the U.S. will mostly support enforcement of no-fly zone diplomatically rather than the U.S. enforcing it.Lugar stands by his statement that for the U.S. to use military assets, Congress needs to act, but the administration is saying it is stopping short of that for now, his spokesman Mark Helmke said. Separately, a senior Democratic source said the president emphasized the strong feeling that the U.S. should play a supporting role only and that the U.S. has assets that should be brought to bear in this situation. ---------- Post added March-19th-2011 at 01:38 AM ---------- Hmmm. http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/18/us.libya.no.fly/index.html?hpt=T1 No-fly zone could be canceled if Libya pulls back forcesEven as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the ultimate goal for the U.S. was to see Libya's president cede power, a senior administration official says the U.N.-mandated no-fly zone and military action to support it would not necessarily last until Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi steps down. This official, who spoke on background because of the diplomatic sensitivity of the issue, said that "right now, we're focused on stopping the violence." Clinton said Friday, "The first and overwhelming urgent action is to end the violence. And we have to see a clear set of decisions that are operationalized on the ground by Gadhafi's forces to move physically a significant distance away from the east, where they have been pursuing their campaign against the opposition." The purpose of the no-fly zone, the administration official said, is to prevent Gadhafi from attacking his own people. "It's not designed to have him go. That's not the purpose," the official said. "The purpose of the military action is to prevent massive humanitarian loss of life, to stop the violence. If the violence stops, then you shouldn't leap to say then the military action will continue until he leaves." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted March 19, 2011 Share Posted March 19, 2011 New Libyan UN Ambassador in Tunisia apparently. He was recently in Cairo according to other reports this week. Interesting that neither Egypt nor Tunisia wants to intervene in Libya. http://twitter.com/nazaninemoshiri Bio AL JAZEERA CORRESPONDENT Being held by security at Regency Hotel in Tunis filmed Ali Treki arriving - camera and producer were shoved I was threatened. about 1 hour ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® #AJE#Breaking: Ali Treki the man who Gaddafi wants at the UN is at the Regency Hotel in Tunis. about 1 hour ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® #AJE I am being held in what is supposed to be a free country. about 1 hour ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® I am out of the hotel - the Regency CEO wanted a promise we wouldn't mention the name of his hotel. Too late I told him. 32 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-19 2:00pm Jordan, Morocco, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are the Arab nations attending Saturday's summit in Paris on action in Libya, a diplomat told AFP.Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari will also attend in his capacity as current head of the Arab League. The League's Secretary General Amr Moussa will also take part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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