Israel Matzav

Will he do anything to help Libya?

Elliott Abrams is practically begging the Obama administration to do something - anything - to help the Libyan rebels.

Sending them not only humanitarian materials–which is already being done, but should be increased–but also arms seems logical. Not troops, not American or other foreign “boots on the ground,” but the tools they need to fight back against Qaddafi, his sons, and their well-equipped brigades. If even that is too much for the United States government to stomach, could we at least press the Saudis (who have long hated Qaddafi) or Egyptians or other Arabs to supply the anti-Qaddafi forces?

The Obama Administration has finally taken sides here, and the United States cannot now allow itself to be defeated by Qaddafi. Arranging directly or indirectly for the supply of some weapons to the opposition will not only provide it with critical practical assistance but also give it a huge morale boost. Such assistance would also help push more of the still-loyal Qaddafi supporters and more of those still sitting on the fence to break with him. Given the reports today of how resistant the Pentagon is to direct intervention, including a no-fly zone, perhaps the supply of arms would gather some support at DOD as a better alternative. The American position cannot, in any event, be strong rhetorical support for the opposition combined with absolute inaction. Our words must have meaning and must be the precursor to action.

To be fair, there would be plenty involved in imposing a no-fly zone, and one cannot help but wonder how much influence the US has in Egypt with Mubarak gone. Still, there is a lot more that the Obama administration could do to show support.

Will they?

Labels: Barack Obama, Elliott Abrams, Hillary Clinton, Libyan no-fly zone, Libyan regime change

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:36 PM