"We are moving ships closer to Libya in case they are needed," said Colonel David Lapan, a Pentagon front man
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 John Marshall...
said "nothing is off the table" so long as Qadaffy threatens, kills civilians, adding that he has to leave "now without further violence or delay."
Clinton added that Muammar Qadaffy was using "mercenaries and thugs" to suppress his own people and said the Libyan leader must step down immediately.
"Qadaffy and those around him must be held accountable for these acts, which violate international legal obligations and common decency," Clinton said in an address to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, saying nothing was off the table as the international community considers its next steps.
"It is time for Qadaffy to go, now, without further violence or delay," she added.
Meanwhile,
...back at the ranch...
going into exile would be one option for Libyan leader Muammar Qadaffy in meeting international demands that he leave power, White House front man Jay Carney said on Monday.
Carney, asked by news hounds whether the United States would help facilitate exile for Qadaffy, said this was a bit of speculation that he would not discuss.
Carney also said the United States and its allies are in talks on whether to create a no-fly zone over Libya.
Qadaffy himself seemed to be in denial about the strength of the uprising against his 41-year rule that has ended his control over eastern Libya and is closing in on the capital Tripoli.
"All my people love me. They would die to protect me," ABC's Ace newshound Christiane Amanpour quoted him as telling her in an interview with the U.S. network on Monday.
Qadaffy also said he felt betrayed by the United States and accused Western countries of abandoning his government in its fight against "terrorists".
"I'm surprised that we have an alliance with the West to fight al Qaeda, and now that we are fighting hard boyz they have abandoned us," Qadaffy said.