Last month, as part of a concentrated military campaign, the U.S. participated along with N.A.T.O. in attacking Libyan forces to prevent a humanitarian nightmare from unfolding. A U.N. Security Council resolution allowed N.A.T.O. to use all measures in protecting the Libyan people. Since U.S. operations began the president has repeatedly stated that the United States would only participate in a support role, and would allow other nations such as Britain and France to take a larger role in military operations. Once military operations began, the president has given conflicting signals as to what U.S. policy is in Libya, and for that matter in the broader Middle East.
On March 3rd, the president stated that Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi must go, but has stated the goal of the United states since then is not the removal of the Libyan leader. U.S. strategy in Libya has been confusing and downright lacking in strategic depth. Senator John McCain, who visited Libya last week stated, the U.S. needs to do more to help the rebels.
Unfortunately neither the president or Sen. McCain have stated what role the U.S. would play in Libya once Gadhafi is removed from power. The president's policies in Libya look to maintain a stalemate, with the Libyan leader still in power.
As much as the president repeatedly states he will not pursue the foreign policy strategy of President Bush, the question must be asked- what is the president's strategy?
http://militarybriefingbook.com/browse.cfm?category=Africa&subcategory=North%20Africa
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