International Organizations

German leaders criticize Merkel’s split with NATO and European allies

By Steven Erlanger and Judy Dempsey, the New York Times

From Steven Erlanger and Judy Dempsey, the New York Times:  Driven by electoral pressures and Germany’s postwar aversion to war and nuclear power, Chancellor Angela Merkel has deeply strained relations with allies in the European Union and the NATO alliance

West’s Goal Must be Gaddafi’s Removal

By Kurt Volker

The launch of Western military operations to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1973 is long overdue, but nonetheless welcome: After weeks of delay, brutal attacks by the regime, and a loss of momentum for the rebellion, Colonel Gaddafi’s counter-revolution might now be halted.

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.

Turkey criticises France’s role in Libya intervention

By Reuters

NATO agreement on Libya arms embargo, but not on enforcing no-fly zone

By David Brunnstrom, Reuters

From David Brunnstrom, Reuters:  NATO ambassadors approved an operations plan for the alliance to help enforce a U.N. arms embargo on Libya on Sunday, a NATO statement said. A NATO official said more discussion was needed on another plan for possible NATO involvement in enforcing a U.N. no-fly zone over Libya. Alliance member Turkey, which […]

Obama’s announcement of military intervention in Libya

By Barack Obama, the White House

From Barack Obama, the White House:  Today I authorized the Armed Forces of the United States to begin a limited military action in Libya in support of an international effort to protect Libyan civilians.

Ashton wants billions of euros to aid North Africa

By Catherine Ashton, the International Herald Tribune

From Catherine Ashton, the International Herald Tribune:  Sometimes the toughest question in world politics is: “And then what?” It is the question I shall be asking — and starting to answer — at Saturday’s summit in Paris to discuss Libya.

French jets start enforcing no-fly zone in Libya

By Steven Erlanger and David Kirkpatrick, the New York Times

From Steven Erlanger and David Kirkpatrick, the New York Times:  American, European and Arab leaders began the largest international military intervention in the Arab world since the invasion of Iraq on Saturday, in an effort to stop Col. Muammer el-Qaddafi’s war on the Libyan opposition.

NATO Secretary General responds to UN Resolution on Libya

By Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO

From Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO:  NATO welcomes the United Nations Security Council Resolution.