Libya Rolls On

The Libyan Rebels look to be launching a wave of fresh offensives across the country as their five month conflict with the Qadafi regime continues. In the east, rebel forces are consolidating their hold on Brega, having recaptured it for the first time in months. In the West, rebel forces are pushing towards Zlitan from Misrata and forces in the Nafusa Mountains are waiting on word to launch a fresh push towards the major crossroads town of Al-Garyan- a key point to securing the main road towards Tripoli.

With the rebels gaining recognition from the United States and other countries and more importantly access to regime funds that had been frozen in various banks world wide, Qadafi's regime is coming under increasing pressure and it's clear to me that victory may be slow- but a test of wills between rebel resolve to keep fighting and Qadafi's will to keep resisting can only favor the rebels the longer this goes. They seem to have slow momentum that's building, they're being a lot more careful and thorough than they used to be and given the fact that this is a fight they can't lose- Qadafi's revenge would be predictable and bloody. If it's win or die for the rebels (and it is) I think they're the sure bet to win this thing.

At home, the controversy surrounding US involvement continues unabated. As far as I know, the Obama Administration has yet to seek formal approval from Congress of any kind and it remains controversial. For my part, I have supported our involvement and continue to do so for basic national security reasons: Qadafi has threatened our national interests, citizens and national security before and is perfectly capable of doing so again. Removing his regime can only benefit American interests throughout the region. If pragmatism isn't enough for you, then let's consider the fact that one less brutal dictatorship in the world can only be a good thing.

If people want to be liberated, anywhere in the world, I say it can only be in our interests to at least assist them in some way. Throw people a bone, weapons- we've got plenty of guns! And it'd be nice to have the United States remembered as a friend who helped people overturn tyrants than a bankroller and supporter of them. Yet unfortunately, the Obama Administration started out strong, firm and decisive and has retreated into a minor support role and contented itself with cutting checks and refueling British and French fighter jets. The precedent of Europe taking responsibility for it's own security is only one I can approve of- but those images in late February of French fighter jets over Benghazi sent the message across the world that America is no longer as strong as it was. Re-engaging more forcefully in the Libya conflict could mitigate that and could also bring our involvement to an end in a more timely fashion. Liberal respect for international institutions aside and although the UN should be commended for actually doing something for once, sometimes even hastily cobbled together coalitions can use a good kick in the ass.

If a speedy end to our involvement in this conflict is called for, the Obama Administration should consider applying such a 'kick.'