United States and Canada

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 […]

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 […]

NATO divided over direct role in Libya

By Angela Charlton, the AP

From Angela Charlton, the AP:  NATO is divided over whether it should take a leading role or just provide support to air forces already engaged in the mission. In Brussels, NATO’s top decision-making body appeared poised to decide on Sunday "if and how the alliance will join" the effort, said Martin Povejsil, the Czech Republic’s […]

Spain providing aircraft and warships to anti-Gaddafi coalition

By DPA

From DPA:  Spain will provide six aircraft, a frigate and a submarine as part of the international effort to enforce a no- fly zone to protect the Libyan people, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said Saturday.

Clinton and senior women helped convince Obama to intervene in Libya

By Helene Cooper and Steven Lee Myers, the New York Times

From Helene Cooper and Steven Lee Myers, the New York Times:  In a Paris hotel room on Monday night, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton found herself juggling the inconsistencies of American foreign policy in a turbulent Middle East.

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.

Diplomat: France blocked any NATO agreement on airstrikes until the Paris meeting

By Steven Erlanger and David D. Kirkpatrick, the New York Times

From Steven Erlanger and David D. Kirkpatrick, the New York Times:  Even though the leaders at the Paris summit meeting were united in supporting military action, there were signs of disagreement over how it would proceed.