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The Spectacle Blog
I’m glad that President Obama finally and belatedly has acceded to the urgent pleas of our British, French, Libyan and Arab allies, all of whom have been urging the United States to stop Gaddafi’s mercenary army from crushing the rebel forces there.
Unfortunately, Obama’s statement this afternoon shows that he is prepared to do far less than what might be required in Libya. This is in large part because Obama, like most of our political elites, is spooked by misplaced concerns about “nation-building” and “ground combat.”
And so, the United States will not deploy ground troops to Libya, Obama said. Nor will we “impose” change on the Middle East and Africa.
But why not deploy ground troops to Libya to assist the rebels there? Why, for instance, would it be wrong to deploy a contingent of Green Berets to help train Libyan rebels fighting to overthrow Gaddafi?
At the very least, even if you have ruled out such a move, why tell the enemy that? Why take that option off the table?
Because Obama’s goal is not regime change in Libya; it is to protect the Libyan people from further violence.
That’s a nice and laudable humanitarian goal; however, the United States doesn’t (or at least shouldn’t) go to war for strictly humanitarian reasons. We go to war to protect and promote the American national interest. And the United States has a vital national interest in getting rid of Gaddafi and supporting Libya’s democratic protesters.
It’s not that Libya itself is so important, because it’s not. But Gaddafi is important. (He’s been a terrorist thorn in our side for years, although neutered by the Iraq invasion.) And what happens in Libya will send a clear and unmistakable message to friend and foe alike throughout the region, especially in places like Egypt, which really do matter.
Obama doesn’t seem to see this, unfortunately. He lacks strategic vision. He lacks sufficient appreciation for the historical significance of the democratic revolution now underway in the Middle East and North Africa. Thus his misplaced concern that the United States not be perceived as “imposing” change in Libya or elsewhere.
But this is a red herring that Obama uses to justify his dithering, indecision and inaction. The British, the French, the Europeans, Libyans, Arabs and Muslims all know that the United States has absolutely no desire to “impose” anything on anyone save for their right to chart their own destiny. Indeed, that’s why they want, and have requested, American leadership in Libya.
Would that our president understood this and acted accordingly. The goal in Libya, Mr. President, is not simply to do good; it is to get rid of Gaddafi.
View all comments (38) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by John R. Guardiano
http://spectator.org/blog/2011/03/18/in-libya-obama-needlessly-hams
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PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 4:55PM
Where is Blackwater when you need 'em?!
Alan Brooks| 3.18.11 @ 5:08PM
'How I Stopped Worrying And learned To Love Halliburton'
What's most important is: have Clint post his measurements here so the IDF can alter a uniform to fit him exactly. That way when he arrives in Tel Aviv he'll be ready to start on maneuvers right away.
Clint| 3.18.11 @ 6:40PM
Now, ObamaBoy Israel Firster Brooks Can Tell All The American Spectator Readers How Many IDF Troops Have Been KIA & WIA in Iraq & Afghanistan So Far.
You Israel Firster Chickenhawks Are Always Trying To Use American Military, As Cannon Fodder To Carry Out Your Foreign Agenda.
Now Get Your Own Coward Israel Firster Ass Over To Israel & Enlist In The IDF.
They Need You As Their REMF Bootlicker.
Get Down On The Deck !
Start Lickin' REMF Bootlicker.
Alan Brooks| 3.19.11 @ 9:54PM
Well I'm glad all those millions of Nazis were tortured and mutilated: it was a lesson. Hitler should have been tortured and mutilated for days, his screaming tape recorded- to be broadcasted all over the world on every radio. Too bad Gadhafi will be dead before he can be tortured.
Oldefarte| 3.18.11 @ 5:24PM
John, With all due respect, YOU'RE WRONG. His partisanship in the middle east sticks out like a sore thumb, since his aggression against Egypt [and consequently against Barrain], and not against Iran or Libya, should speak volumns as to his political favoritism. Additionally, it would be suisidal for us to become any more involved for any reason in this area [polls now indicate that the US public favors getting out of Iraq/Afganistan ASAP]. As to your special forces involvment statement, remember that the Viet Nam War began with Kennedy sending in military advisors to assist the Vietnamese, which escalated into our disasterous involvement in that country. As Powell advised Bush [and which Bush ignored], IF YOU BREAK IT, YOU OWN IT!!!!!!!!!!
Alan Brooks| 3.19.11 @ 9:59PM
He attacked air facilities in Libya just tonight.
Good for him; but you will never be grateful or forgive him for being a black Democrat, and not a Repuglican.
Oldefarte| 3.20.11 @ 5:34PM
There ya go with that RACISM excrement again. That ain't gonna wash anymore, and ya boy [opps, I'm a racist, right?] won't make it in 2012. Maybe Rahm will give him a job cleaning Chicago streets [or community organizing], wacking Chicago Republicans. If not, there's always a possibility of guest host on the Oprah Network, or maybe as Gayle's second banana [if Eric/Stedman's not available]!!!!!!!!
Occam's Tool| 3.18.11 @ 5:58PM
We are supporting Moslem Brotherhood backed Rebels to overthrow an enemy of ours whose backbone we have defined, and whose ability to cave under pressure to us has been shown. We have no guarantees that the Rebels will be better, and they owe us nothing because we dithered too long. May I ask why we are doing this? We either should have a) done it already and demanded a high price for help, or b) observed and said nothing. Instead, we are doing "C)," which is talking a lot while doing minimal things.
Alan Brooks| 3.19.11 @ 10:53PM
You forget that N. Africa is just across the Med from Europe- not far away in the Levant- N. Africa can be hit hard no matter who gains power.
Don't let your dislike of Obama get in the way of your justice, Gaddhafi called his opponents greasy rats, mice, and cockroaches. He wont be alive for Ramadan next autumn.
Kingofthenet| 3.18.11 @ 6:39PM
Gas is going to hit $4 this spring, this 'action' will allow us the release some Oil from our 'Strategic Libyan Reserves'. Obama is a Genius!
Sean| 3.18.11 @ 7:08PM
Congress declares war not the President.
Alan Brooks| 3.19.11 @ 10:03PM
I'm glad Lincoln declared was on the Confederacy. The Confederacy was an Abomination, all Confederate monuments ought to sold to the lowest bidder; to be used in any purpose- scrap or otherwise.
Oldefarte| 3.20.11 @ 5:38PM
You Yankees Morons are still at war with us, but your Camelots of Illinois, Michigan, New York, and all other rust-belt graveyards are slowely being taken over by the much more economically prosperous South and West. Keep on raising your taxes Moron, and watch the increased migration to southern states. THE SOUTH WILL RISE AGAIN, HELL YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jonah| 3.20.11 @ 6:21PM
Lincoln was a Republican, Alan; slave owners were Democrats like you.
PCC| 3.18.11 @ 8:55PM
"The British, the French, the Europeans, Libyans, Arabs and Muslims all know that the United States has absolutely no desire to "impose" anything on anyone save for their right to chart their own destiny."
Please pass the Kool-Aid, man.
Alan Brooks| 3.19.11 @ 10:04PM
I'm glad Lincoln declared war on the Confederacy. The Confederacy was an Abomination, all Confederate monuments ought to sold to the lowest bidder; to be used in any purpose- scrap or otherwise.
Oldefarte| 3.20.11 @ 5:39PM
Same as above!!!!!!!!!
Burt| 3.18.11 @ 9:33PM
How do these village idiots gain access to this blog here.
Lets summarize Barry and Omar's relationship.
Barry lets his buddy Omar buy millions of dollars in US military hardware in 2009. Barry lets free after secret meeting with pal Omar, the Libyan henchman who killed 300 hundred American over Lockerbie. Barry intentionally delays for 4 weeks any action on Libya until his buddy is in control over the rebels.
Gosh, John do you see a pattern here ???
Mike w| 3.19.11 @ 4:30PM
With your illogical piece of internet babble, you calling other posters here "idiots" is quite ironic.
Alan Brooks| 3.19.11 @ 10:14PM
"Gosh, John do you see a pattern here ???"
Yes, the fluoridation of our natural essence:
Purity Of Essence (POE).
Fluoridation was instituted in 1946- how's that for a postwar Communist conspiracy?
Dee See| 3.18.11 @ 10:52PM
---The old-fashioned tyranny in Libya needs an
upgrade.
SEEMS Khaddafi was a bother to the franchise-slum Globalists.
HE was a vehement opponent of abortion,
obeyed the Biblical strictures on usury, and
threw out the UN 6 years ago after they were
caught giving HIV laced vaccines.
HUAC meets NUREMBERG ----no other way.
Kingofthenet| 3.19.11 @ 3:21PM
I KNOW you love Gaddafi, but he is a goner....
Alan Brooks| 3.19.11 @ 10:07PM
His days are numbered- and a low number at that; Gadhafi is a varmint, as Jefferson Davis was.
Jonah| 3.20.11 @ 6:22PM
You're a varmint, too.
Greg Conlan| 3.18.11 @ 11:50PM
Our President the dithering one knows not that you go to war to win. If we again are to be the protector of freedom in another conflict we must go with the complete belief and performance to win or we should not go at all. Yes innocents will die, children, non-combatants and those who did not want the fight but that is the nature of war go to win or do not go.
Anything less is not worth the sacrifice of our military treasure or any loss of life.
All American American| 3.19.11 @ 9:21AM
And the chickenhawks start a-squawkin'.
Alan Brooks| 3.19.11 @ 10:09PM
Good thing Lincoln wasn't like you.
Jonah| 3.20.11 @ 6:23PM
Lincoln wasn't like you either, libtard.
Michael L. Hauschild| 3.19.11 @ 12:12PM
Now let me get this straight; the cheese eating surrender monkeys, the world’s most famous cuckold, and a community organizer are declaring war on the gang who can’t bomb straight. Friends and neighbors we are in for a long, very long, a very long and protracted engagement. Trust me on this one; the French have already started construction of a second Maginot Line; initiation of hostilities was delayed due to the inability to find a size 18 pants suit in camo; the “Mission Accomplished” banner has been painted over and now reads, “The Noose is Tightening.” You cannot make this stuff up.
Mike w| 3.19.11 @ 4:31PM
At least those cheese eaters were right about Iraq.
Alan Brooks| 3.19.11 @ 10:57PM
Hillary a cuckold? you don't think she has some guy action on the side herself? and a woman or two.
You think only rednecks have a good time with nook?
Jonah| 3.20.11 @ 6:23PM
Rednecks aren't perverts like you.
Clay| 3.20.11 @ 7:51AM
If I see the word "dithering" used one more time I'm going to SCREAM!
Ken (Old Texican)| 3.20.11 @ 10:50AM
OK, Clay,
how about: "screwing around, jealous pouting, sand-trap shot, (muffed), nose-picking, butt-scratching, jerking off, wife-whipped, (or my most favorite), partying in Rio?
Dale Cord| 3.20.11 @ 10:56AM
Be prepared for a nuclear attack on our country.We are fighting on to many fronts, and Obama and his secret entourage is conveniently out of the country on vacation. Get the picture
Rowdy Boots| 3.20.11 @ 4:55PM
Do American Citizens need more proof of Obama's misguided vision of the world and America's place in it?
He is an incompetent man who has no idea of what his responsibilities to America are. He has misread every political message from American Citizens and he has continued to make terrible political decisions in the interests of America.
FAIL. F-, sir. With all due respect, I am asking you to resign your commission and leave Washington.
Rowdy Boots
Thomas| 3.20.11 @ 10:05PM
Muammar al-Gaddafi is a bad guy. He has been a bad guy since he took power in 1969. However, he is the leader of the internationally recognized government of Libya. His government has been attacked by revolutionary forces. He is in the midst of a civil war. That war, however, has not threatened any of his neighbors. So, under what tenet of international law are the governments of France, Great Britain and the United States invading a sovereign country and attacking the recognized government of that country, which,legally, is defending itself from armed insurrection?
The U.S. could possibly justify supporting the rebels with material, communications and overwatch suppoet. But actually invading the territory of the country, under these conditions, is a violation of international law, plain and simple. Somebody better remember that, before China decised to invade the U.S.; for our own good.