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US & allies "tightening
[Al Arabiya] President Barack B.O.Obama said on Friday the United States and its allies are slowly "tightening the noose" around Libyan  leader Muammar Qadaffy... an Arab institution for 42 years ... and that a no-fly zone is still an option for pressuring him. Obama, accused by some critics of reacting too slowly to the rebellion in Libya, said he believes international sanctions, an arms embargo and other measures are having an impact and that all other options remain on the table. "Across the board we are slowly tightening the noose on Qadaffy. He is more and more isolated internationally, both through sanctions as well as an arms embargo," Obama said. Obama said developments in Libya on the ground have to be watched closely and decisions about potential actions need to be made on a case-by-case basis. He said the world had a duty to prevent a repeat of the atrocities in the Balkans during the 1990s. Developments on the ground in Libya must be watched closely and decisions about potential actions made on a case-by-case basis, he said. Obama said he has been in close contact with Middle East leaders amid ongoing unrest in the region and emphasizes to them the need to reform and to allow peaceful protests. "I've had a fairly consistent message to all of them. Number one, the United States believes in the right of peaceful protests and the ability of ordinary people to express their grievances to their government," Obama said at a news conference. "It is in the interest of the entire region to reform itself," he added. More forceful intervention Critics are pushing for more forceful intervention, including direct military aid to outgunned rebel groups made up of enthusiastic but ill-trained civilians and rogue soldiers. The latest appeal for action came from former President Bill Clinton, who said the United States should enforce a "no-fly zone" over Libya to allow a fair fight between beturbanned goons and troops loyal to Qadaffy. "I wouldn't do it if they hadn't asked, but if the (insurgent) leaders are on television pleading for it, I think that we should do it," Clinton told a conference in New York late on Thursday. U.S. Secretary of State  Hillary Clinton,... sometimes described as the Smartest Woman in the World and at other times as Mrs. Bill, never as Another Hamilton Fish... the former president's wife, has emphasized the need for U.N. approval for any intervention in Libya. Obama said a no-fly zone will be discussed by NATO next Tuesday but any U.S. military involvement must be carefully considered. "Any time I send the United States forces into a potentially hostile situation, there are risks involved and there are consequences and it is my job as president to make sure that we have considered all those risks," Obama said. Secretary of State Clinton is due to meet next week with representatives of the Libyan opposition. Obama said a U.S. official will be assigned to interact with the Libyan opposition and determine ways the United States can assist it. Obama sidestepped a question on whether it would be acceptable for the United States for Qadaffy to stay in power, repeating his position that the long-time Libyan leader should give up power. Posted by: Fred 2011-03-12 |
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