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March 21, 2011

U.S. & Allies Begin Bombing of Libya to Enforce No-Fly Zone 
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U.S. and allied forces have launched a second wave of air strikes on
Libya to enforce a no-fly zone. Targets have included Libya's air
defenses, forces loyal to Col. Muammar Gaddafi and Gaddafi's fortified
compound. The attacks on Libya began on Saturday, the eighth anniversary
of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. President Obama addressed the nation
soon after the attack began.

President Obama: "I am deeply aware of the risks of any military action,
no matter what limits we place on them. I want the American people to
know that the use of force is not our first choice, it is not a choice I
make lightly. But we cannot stand idly by when a tyrant tells his people
that there will be no mercy and his forces step up their assaults on
cities like Benghazi and Misurata where innocent men and women face
brutality and death at the hands of their own government. So we must be
clear, actions have consequences, and the writ of the international
community must be enforced. That is the cause of this coalition."

The Arab League had supported the establishment of a no–fly zone
over Libya, but Arab League chief Amr Moussa criticized the U.S.-led air
strikes.

Amr Moussa: "Sovereignty is not invading or occupying a country or
affecting its sovereignty but working on protecting its civilians.
Protecting civilians does not need military operations. Protecting
civilians needs suitable action such as a no-fly zone. This is what we
asked for from the very beginning to avoid any additional developments."



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