Category: Blogs

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.

Norwegian jets en route to no-fly zone deployment

By DPA

From DPA:  Norway dispatched six F-16 fighter jets Monday as part of its contribution to the no-fly zone operation over Libya. An air force spokesman said the planes could possibly operate from bases on the southern Greek island of Crete or the Italian island of Sardinia. In addition to the jets, a Hercules transport plane […]

Turkey Blocks NATO Mission in Libya

By Spiegel

Turkey criticises France’s role in Libya intervention

By Reuters

Putin: anti-Libya force reminiscent of Crusades

By the AP

From the AP:  Russia’s prime minister is strongly criticizing the U.N. resolution allowing international use of force in Libya, saying it reminds him of the Crusades.

Diplomat claims France is the only ally “opposed to a unified command under NATO. It is completely isolated.”

By AFP

From AFP:  A push by several allies for NATO to take over operations in Libya ran into resistance from France on Monday, as the alliance remained on the sidelines of the international campaign.

War by Global Committee

By the Editors of the Wall Street Journal

From the Editors of the Wall Street Journal: Too many commanders in chief could save Gadhafi and undermine U.S. interests. America’s founders gave the powers of Commander in Chief to the President because they knew that war had to be prosecuted with determination, discipline and the national interest foremost in mind. By marked contrast, the use […]