Thursday, February 24, 2011

Obama on Libya


In his first actual personal comments on the revolt in Libya President Obama has stated the following, “ First, we are doing everything we can to protect American citizens. That is my highest priority. In Libya, we've urged our people to leave the country and the State Department is assisting those in need of support. …..As I said last week, we strongly condemn the use of violence in Libya…..The American people extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all who’ve been killed and injured. The suffering and bloodshed is outrageous and it is unacceptable. So are threats and orders to shoot peaceful protesters and further punish the people of Libya. These actions violate international norms and every standard of common decency. This violence must stop…..In a volatile situation like this one, it is imperative that the nations and peoples of the world speak with one voice, and that has been our focus. Yesterday a unanimous U.N. Security Council sent a clear message that it condemns the violence in Libya, supports accountability for the perpetrators, and stands with the Libyan people ”. The above is fine, it should have been said days ago, the Oval has left the American message to Secretary Clinton, but that is not good enough, at the end of the day President Obama is the leader of the last super power, he has won the Nobel Prize, and what does he do when people are being killed in their demand for freedom, hide in the Oval. If your Colonel Gaddafi you would not be that impressed, but POTUS did say the following that might get the attention of Gaddafi, well the first partI’ve also asked my administration to prepare the full range of options that we have to respond to this crisis. This includes those actions we may take and those we will coordinate with our allies and partners, or those that we’ll carry out through multilateral institutions. ” in other words the UN, at its most basic more hot air, not very impressive for a Chicago politician. The rest of the statement is all about talking to partners and international bodies, this could lead Colonel Gaddafi to release his final attack in the knowledge that Obama wont react, the statement has that even, POTUS stated the following, “ So let me be clear. The change that is taking place across the region is being driven by the people of the region. This change doesn’t represent the work of the United States or any foreign power. It represents the aspirations of people who are seeking a better life. ” in other words the Libyan people cant count on the military support of the US. One has to say that POTUS is in over his head, Hillary Clinton was right ask if the American people wanted on the job training for their President, so far he is getting a D- and that’s being VERY kind folks.