Hobo1
Well-Known Member
The author makes some good points:
1) What are our objectives in Libya? The UN Resolution allows for the use of force only to protect civilians. Does that include removing Gadhafi?
2) What happens if Gadhafi stops fighting?
3) What happens in Gadhafi stops fighting and the rebels do not?
4) Why was Congress not even consulted?
Excellent points. Notice the similarity with The Powell Doctrine states that a list of questions all have to be answered affirmatively before military action is taken by the United States:
1. Is a vital national security interest threatened?
2. Do we have a clear attainable objective?
3. Have the risks and costs been fully and frankly analyzed?
4. Have all other non-violent policy means been fully exhausted?
5. Is there a plausible exit strategy to avoid endless entanglement?
6. Have the consequences of our action been fully considered?
7. Is the action supported by the American people?
8. Do we have genuine broad international support?
Ignoring this advice could likely take us down a slippery slope to a place where this nation is not going to want to go. Remember the US involvement in Vietnam was started by sending over military advisers, a seemingly safe strategy.
This country has a history of cautiously and naively walking into quagmires one small step at a time.