United Nations Authorizes Strikes in Libya; Gadhafi Vows Offensive

[WestVirginiaRebel]

ABC News:

The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution authorizing the international community to take "all necessary measures," short of sending in ground troops, to protect civilians in Libya.

The vote comes just as leader Moammar Gadhafi's forces are planning a major offensive on the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, Libya, where opposition forces were seen cheering the vote.

The vote was 10-0 vote with five abstentions, including Russia and China.

U.S. officials say the authorization will be used by a coalition of nations, including Arab countries, France and Great Britain, to bomb military targets inside Libya. The French prime minister said today that military action could come within hours of a UN vote, according to The Associated Press.

With attacks likely imminent, Gadhafi addressed the rebels on state television, warning them, "We will find you."

"We are coming tonight," he said to the rebel forces. "There won't be any mercy."

The resolution, a copy of which was provided to ABC News by a U.N. diplomat, also authorized the imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya as a way to protect the opposition fighters and civilians from Gadhafi's jets.

Today, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said during a visit to neighboring Tunisia that imposing a no-fly zone would "require certain actions taken to protect the planes and the pilots, including bombing targets like the Libyan defense systems."
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Too little, too late? I wonder if France will still be taking the lead (they seem to have so far...)

[Pepper]

WestVirginiaRebel

 

Our pResident is on his way to Rio, isn't he? All will be under his cool and calm control. No sweat. In fact, he is going to visit a favela there. Remember to ignore the fact that his economic blundering is creating ghost towns here in the USA, where his priorities should be.

[Saltbag]

Eventually we'll figure out his stance on global politics based on what tee he hits from during the current global crisis.