Atlantic Council blogs

Germany withdraws its forces in the Mediterranean from NATO command

By DPA

NATO begins enforcement of the arms embargo against Libya

By Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO

From Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO:  NATO has now decided to launch an operation to enforce the arms embargo against Libya.

Allies may give NATO operational control, but not political control

By Scott Wilson and and Karen DeYoung, the Washington Post

From Scott Wilson and and Karen DeYoung, the Washington Post:  The United States appeared to be closer Tuesday to turning over command of the military operation in Libya, with key NATO countries tentatively agreeing that the alliance would take the leading role.

Libya: Why Turning on a Dime Made Sense

By Damon Wilson

Second-guessing is a Washington pastime.  Critics are chastising the Obama administration for "turning on a dime" and, after much reluctance to become involved in Libya, moving too quickly to use force against the Gaddafi regime.  They argue that the administration’s about-face last Tuesday night has resulted in a lack of clarity in the mission, minimal […]

Allied leaders comment on NATO Impasse

By the Telegraph

Day 5 of NATO’s Political Impasse

By Steven Erlanger, the New York Times

From Steven Erlanger, the New York Times:  As the military operation continued over Libya on Monday, there was some confusion about which country or organization is actually leading it, and for how long. France, Britain and the United States are in charge of their own operations, which each have different code names.  The participants are […]

Libya Primer: Who is In Charge of Allied Forces?

By Jorge Benitez

There is a lot of speculation and misunderstanding about the existing command and control structure for the international military operation in Libya.  The truth in this case is not pretty and in flux. The command and control structure of the coalition is messy and complicated.  But keep in mind that the current structure was created […]

Donilon: NATO to take command in days, not weeks

By the White House

From the White House: National Security Advisor Tom Donilon discusses U.S. transfer of command to NATO.  MR. DONILON : [W]e would then transfer, as the President has said, in a matter of days, not weeks, over to coalition partners using the NATO machinery the responsibility for the ongoing exercise of those activities. And the United States at […]

Quarrel between France and Turkey blocking NATO agreement

By Hurriyet

Italy threatens to take back its bases unless NATO is in command

By AGI

From AGI:  [Foreign] Minister Franco Frattini has said Italy will take back its bases if NATO does not assume command of operations in Libya.