Daley: No-Fly Zone Proponents Think It's a Video Game
WASHINGTON -- As several U.S. lawmakers push the Obama administration to craft plans for a no-fly zone around Libya, President Obama's chief of staff suggested Sunday those calling for U.S. military intervention don't know what they're talking about. Pressed on U.S. contingency planning in light of a growing armed rebellion against Libyan strongman Muammar al-Qaddafi, White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley would neither commit to a no-fly zone nor describe Libya as a vital U.S. security interest. "Lots of people throw around phrases of 'no-fly zone' and they talk about it as though it's just a game, a video game or something. Some people who throw that line out have no idea what they're talking about," Daley said, without indicating whom he meant.
U.S. defense officials argue that setting up a no-fly zone would mean removing Libya's air defenses, a move tantamount to war. On Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told a Senate panel that the overall military effort of a no-fly zone would require more airplanes than are available from a single American aircraft carrier, though the Pentagon could arrange it if President Obama ordered it.
WSWS: Australian government calls for air strikes on Gaddafi forces