United Nations

Pentagon puts Libya operation’s price tag at about $550 million

By Walter Pincus, the Washington Post

From Walter Pincus, the Washington Post:  The military intervention in Libya has cost the United States “about $550 million” in extra spending so far, a Defense Department spokeswoman said Tuesday

North Africa is Europe’s problem – not Obama’s

By the Editors of the Observer

From the Editors of the Observer:  Committees are sometimes the fairest way to decide policy; rarely, if ever, are they the most efficient. As a system for conducting wars, their shortcomings are obvious.

FT: NATO should pursue regime change

By the Editors of the Financial Times

From the Editors of the Financial Times: The west intervened to avert a bloodbath in Benghazi. That was necessary and right.

Turkey not game to back NATO

By Abby Phillip, POLITICO

From Abby Phillip, POLITICO:  Since taking office in 2009, President Barack Obama has made it a priority to cultivate a stronger American alliance with Turkey

Italy to propose joint plan with Germany on Libya

By Philip Pullela, Reuters

From Philip Pullela, Reuters:  Italy will propose that it and Germany back a joint plan on Libya that involves a ceasefire, a humanitarian corridor and exile for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said.

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

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.