No U.S. military to Libya

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Some of the people of the North African country of Libya are in revolt against their wild dictator, Moammar Gadhafi, and conditions there are in chaos. But certainly one way for things to be worse so far as the United States is concerned would be an unwise U.S. military intervention there.

We deplore Gadhafi's oppression of his people. We hope he will fall, and that a better, freer government will take his place.

But nothing good is in prospect there, even though there are reports that Gadhafi is seeking some "way out" for himself.

President Barack Obama has authorized $15 million in humanitarian aid to the Libyan people. But reports that the United States and our NATO allies might engage in some military response to Libya's troubles are alarming indeed.

There is natural sympathy for the victimized people of Libya. And Europeans are significantly involved because of Libya's supply of much oil to Europe.

But Obama has said NATO is considering "a wide range of potential options, including potential military options, in response to the violence that continues to take place inside Libya." And NATO surveillance flights reportedly are increasing over Libya.

Nevertheless, military action that involves U.S. forces intervening in Libya is one option our president should reject.

We cannot solve Libya's serious problems, but we could invite many serious problems for the United States if Obama should make the mistake of involving the United States in military action there.