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Inside the Middle East
March 8, 2011
Posted: 843 GMT
Rebel fighters take cover as a bomb dropped by a fighter jet explodes on the outskirts of Ras Lanuf on March 7.
Rebel fighters take cover as a bomb dropped by a fighter jet explodes on the outskirts of Ras Lanuf on March 7.

President Barack Obama is wrestling with a decision whether or not to intervene in Libya.
Here is a consideration that should top the president's thinking process: What message will it send if Moammar Gadhafi survives?
An anti-American, anti-Western supporter of international terrorism can hold power by killing large numbers of his own people. Meanwhile, nondemocratic rulers aligned with the West are nudged from power by their former friends.
If you were the king of Saudi Arabia, what conclusion would you draw? Would you not assess: It's a lot safer to be an American enemy than an American friend? After all, an American enemy can use maximum violence with impunity.
Let's do a quick tally of the Middle East's nondemocratic leaders.
America's friend Hosni Mubarak? Gone.
America's friend Zine El Abidine Ben Ali? Gone.
America's friend the king of Bahrain? Wobbling.
America's friend the king of Jordan? Shaken.
On the other side of the ledger: Read more...

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Ariely   March 8th, 2011 10:01 am ET

Don’t intervene.
57 Muslim states –21 Arab states- 1.2 billion people.
Many are fabulous rich.

All invested heavily in armies and military equipment.
They have the Arab liege.
They have the Muslim countries organization.

Muslims should solve their problems.

The free world should carefully watch.
Their action will prove either they are for the 21 century values or the 7 century values.

For 21 century values they should be welcomed.
For 7 century vales-–.what is your opinion?

Julian Assange   March 8th, 2011 12:37 pm ET

Bush made Iraq OIL turn into American OIL.
If Obama suceeds to turn Libian OIL into American OIL and put a PUPET in command of Libya I am convinced the Republicans will support Obamas second term in office.

At the end of the day, Fidel Castro was RIGHT, Americans and OTAN where planing to take possession of Libian Oil Fields from the very start of the crisis!

John A   March 8th, 2011 2:25 pm ET

America your greatest leaders have already given you the answers. Listen to their wisdom and stop following those who will be remembered with infamy such as Clinton, Bush, Dick Cheney & Obama.

CNN's question was answered by George Washington on 17 September 1796.

Washington said, " The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible" .

This question was answered in Eisenhower's Farewell Address to the Nation . January 17, 1961

"A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction.

Our military organization today bears little relation to that known by any of my predecessors in peacetime, or indeed by the fighting men of World War II or Korea".

"Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United States had no armaments industry. American makers of plowshares could, with time and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. Added to this, three and a half million men and women are directly engaged in the defense establishment. We annually spend on military security more than the net income of all United States corporations.

This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence – economic, political, even spiritual – is felt in every city, every Statehouse, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.

Akin to, and largely responsible for the sweeping changes in our industrial-military posture, has been the technological revolution during recent decades.

In this revolution, research has become central, it also becomes more formalized, complex, and costly. A steadily increasing share is conducted for, by, or at the direction of, the Federal government".

"The prospect of domination of the nation's scholars by Federal employment, project allocations, and the power of money is ever present – and is gravely to be regarded".

"Yet, in holding scientific research and discovery in respect, as we should, we must also be alert to the equal and opposite danger that public policy could itself become the captive of a scientific-technological elite".

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Americas greatest would turn in their graves if they could see what has been done to their country by foriegn special interest groups such as AIPAC and the military industrial complex.

Cynthia Ward   March 8th, 2011 8:00 pm ET

I don't believe we can not help the courageous people of Libya because, they are ASKING for our help and that fact makes all the difference. They are asking and they are in dire need as we all know.
Iraq is totally different, Bush wanted to go, to war there and I am still ashamed of what this country did and will always be.
And it is my hope that we will get out of Afghanistan ASAP and I don't think we should have 'gone in' with guns, but rater with financial help to build schools and train their own forces. To fail to 'help' the people of Libya would be so wrong.

Steven   March 8th, 2011 11:29 pm ET

we cannot afford to do anything

maria mccants   March 9th, 2011 1:46 am ET

no let the europeans deal with it this time

Steve   March 9th, 2011 3:04 am ET

The US should not intervene. Within a week, Arabs would be complaining that our intervention is a Zionist plot to take over Arab lands. The 22 Arab countries have sufficient military assets to intervene if they choose. Let them do the heavy lifting and the US can cheer lead. It's their culture, and their ethnic group. We've lost enough American lives trying to 'free' Arabs.

I don't have great faith that Arab governments will rise to the occasion, but let them be embarrassed by being bystanders to slaughter. It's not the west's job to protect everyone from their own backwardness and cynicism

Askar   March 9th, 2011 7:21 pm ET

As an Arab from Saudi Arabia I say no for US intervention
let us be honest th US has achieved its objectives in two wars, WW2 and Desert storm else every intervention was a complete failure as in Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
The success of US in desert storm was strongly influenced by Saudi Arabia strategic and financial support.
The Arab countries can carry out such mission under clearance from arab league states, The Saudi Air force has the capability to enforce a no fly zone , they have the jets, KC 10 air refuters ,the air pone radar AWACS military spy satellite .

Chris   March 9th, 2011 8:36 pm ET

I feel for the the people rebelling in Libya but to be honest, this has got the "Iraq Fiasco" written all over it, Iraq is now a place out of control and we need to stabilize a new government before we can hand power back to Iraq and remove our troops which won't be any day soon, The war in Iraq is costing the allies 350 million dollars a day, thats over half a trillion so far, Libya could be another nail in the world wide recession coffin that exists all over the world, Can we afford to fight another war when we cannot afford the one's we are involved with now? I think Obama and Cameron have been very clever by handing the decision over to the UN, Charity begins at home and our countries are in financial trouble, I would personally like to see other countries commit as well as the US and the UK.

Dale Pulley   March 10th, 2011 12:48 am ET

I have not heard any one talk about what the political relationship will be with Libya if the West does not take any action in this conflict and the Rebels are squashed. Particularly since the WH has for all in tense and purposes has cut it's ties with Gadhafi. It seems we could lose all benefits with whoever ends up on top of all this. The US needs to take a stand!! And fast!! If not, it's lack of action could end up biting the west in the a__.

stingran   March 10th, 2011 12:52 am ET

if the US will intervene, the world would blame her for looking after the oil of Libya.
if the US doesn't intervene, they will blame US for not helping the human rights crisis there...
instead, the hypo-crates from the Arab world (Turkey, Egypt,Saudi-Arabia, Iran etc etc) should do something.
but why would they?
they like it as it is, doing nothing to help others, blaming the US (and Israel of course) for anything that goes wrong in the world, and keeping their mouth shut over REAL atrocities done by their own people...

scc23   March 10th, 2011 2:47 am ET

please USA do not go into Libya. Let Europe start taking interest or take the lead in this conflict

scc23   March 10th, 2011 2:51 am ET

Steve every word I argee with thanks for keeping it up

Stu   March 10th, 2011 9:16 am ET

Very tough decision. If the USA intervenes, either in the no-fly-zone or on the ground, it is likely a no-win action from the perspective of the Muslim and developing world. Yet, our own values cannot support what Gaddafi is doing to his "own" people. Doing what is "right" , in some kind of active intervention for the Libyans seeking change feels good. Politically a disaster. We already have the humanitarian aid funds set aside and being assigned to credible organizations. Yet, we cannot allow a massacre. We did that several times already. there is a price to be paid for leadership.

John A   March 10th, 2011 10:25 am ET

Should America and Europe intervene?

Americas economic collapse and banking fraud. Should Germany intervene? At least Germans know how to run an economy. It would be the humanitarian thing to do, as 43 million Americans currently live on food stamps.

How about Libya intervenes in the protests at Wisconsin.

Russia should intervene with the protests in Greece

Iran should intervene with the protests in Ivory Coast

By the way, there are also democratic protests in American occupied Iraq. Let China intervene.

How can CNN and America even be so arrogant to think it is their choice to intervene in another countries affairs???

smart   March 10th, 2011 8:42 pm ET

4 God seek plsss!! the international community can not just sit fdown nd watch dis bastard that has no regard 4 humanity, to just keep on killing nd slaughering his own people 4 just no reason.
let,s 4get abt what the arab nations will say, if them like them appreciate,s if them dn,t there,s no prblem.

MarlonDubai   March 10th, 2011 11:00 pm ET

Its better to keep distance...and make this happen for peacefull ceasfire for both side...listen to Gaddafi...he say something that USA did'nt heard it from him...AL QAIDA...OSAMA BIN LADEN...may be you can read it...
for me UAE is a peacefull land of arab...
Now...what happen...thier also asking for something.for personal or what.
What if Gaddafi IS TELLING THE TRUE...and USA make WRONG.
WHAT NOW...CAN USA AND UN SAY SORRY?

Take a look what happen in my country...Former President Joseph Estrada Oust by Edsa Revolution.by Gloria Macapal Arroyo
And seat around 9 years..if am not mistake..
What happen now...
Its BIG SHIT...nothing happen in my country...
Ask President P-Noy.

Nothinyahu   March 11th, 2011 3:36 pm ET

If it's good for Israel, America must fight and kill those libyans also,,,,

"We are the Chosen People"

johnfplocke   March 11th, 2011 4:02 pm ET

If we intervene the unemployment will go down.

Asia wanderer   March 11th, 2011 6:27 pm ET

Take heed of what's happening in Egypt. Christians and Muslims stands side by side to topple the government and now the Mulsims are persecuting the Christians. Same will happen if the west intevrenes – as soon as they have control then they'll blam the west for some imaginary things and start to retaliate.

Edward   March 11th, 2011 9:10 pm ET

Issue here is not US power versus Arab power. Issue here is that inocent people are killed by dictators who have all the economic and material means that have taken from their own people, and use them to hold in power harrasing and treatening these human beings. If there is no action from a decent world army, millions of people will have to live kidnaped in their own countries. Human kind should be better. All humanity should have to fight against abuse from goverments to their people. It has nothing to do with puppet goverments friends of USA, it has to do with human ability to produce a better world for all the people. Because today that people is the target. Tomorrow we will be.

dusty 21   March 11th, 2011 11:35 pm ET

remember the bay of pigs in cuba leaving behind a dictator for 50 plus years.

dusty 21   March 11th, 2011 11:42 pm ET

the united states did not provide air cover for anti castro forces thus leaving the cuban people to live uunder a dictator to this day and only 90 miles away.

Abdullah Libyan   March 11th, 2011 11:57 pm ET

This is a message to the all world and the international community to stop Qaddafi's mass deadly attacks on civilians and massive bloodshed before it's too late.
The Uprising starts with these very spontaneous Libyan public demonstrations who have no link or any relations with al Qaeda or any external agenda or links as Gaddafi allegedly insist. The protests are purely very Libyan against the tyrant, the criminal, the dictator, the insulting and the killer of Libyan people Col Moammer Gaddafi and his very oppressive regime. (This ideology of Gaddafi is to mislead and to deceive the western countries, NATO, rest of the world and to convince them that he fights an Islamist or terrorist movement to have their support and stay in power. Which is totally a big and an absolute lie by Gaddafi. Protesters demand democracy and freedom and have no any al Qaeda agenda or ideology. Libyan protests against Gaddafi is a very national event, very Libyan with only internal agenda against Gaddafi tyrant regime. Protests demonstrate very peaceful, however Gaddafi wants it to be very bloody. Gaddafi came to power in Libya since 1969 with very military betrayal coup. 42 years Gaddafi in power without Legitimacy, 42 years no free elections in Libya, 42 years of oppression and tyranny, cruelty, brutality, criminality, and bloodshedness of Gaddafi regime. Libyan people want real democracy can not tolerate any more. Youth people in Libya want to restore their dignity and freedom. 42 years Gaddafi selling oil and he stole peoples’ hundreds of billions of money leaving a very poor people with an unemployment rate of more than 30%.

Tripoli now, Zawia, and Misuratah cities are now under complete blockade and siege by Kaddafi solders (most of them are prepaid Africans, prepaid in cash) Africans have been brought to kill Libyan population. Libyan people demonstrate very peacefully. Most of demonstrators are very educated. Kaddafi African soldiers open fires on and shot public to dead randomly. African soldiers committed rapes in Libyan cities.
Cut electricity, cut transportations, cut internet. Kaddafi solders use ambulances, Masjid minarets, factory Silos, High towers, public buildings to shot and open fires on public peaceful protesters. The State TV spreads gossips among Libyans and only covers prepaid Kaddafi supporters (most of Kaddafi supporters are his family and tribe plus African solders Mercenary). Thousands of Libyans were killed, Tens of thousands of Libyans were wounded and kidnapped away from hospitals, tens of thousands of Libyans were arrested. We officially complain against Kaddafi. Complete shortages of drugs, blood transfusions needed in Libyan hospitals.
Kaddafi soldiers and his prepaid African soldiers prevent Libyans to donate blood to wounded people. Wounded people are hijacked (Kidnapped) from hospitals by Kaddafi, Most of wounded people are killed by Kaddafi soldiers in hospitals (to destruct the evidence of his crimes). Two weeks now no food to children, Infants have no milk, most of families in the capital cities are hungry, no oil, no electricity in this very cold winter. Tripoli and some Libyan cities are at risk of real humanitarian crisis. Mass destructive weapons are used by Kaddafi against his people. Great violations of international, national laws, war crimes are committed against peaceful demonstrators in Libya.

One more serious thing is that criminal Gaddafi is now hijacking (kidnapping) the relatives and families of all Libyan diplomatics who are outside Libya and arrest them, put them under severe punishment so that he can have the loyalty of Libyan diplomatics out side Libya.

Libyan cities like Zawia, Misuratah, Zentan. Ras lanoof are now under severe bombardment, strict blockade and siege, warships, airplanes, Garad rockets, antiaircraft and artillery tanks are now bombing the civilians who just said no for Gaddafi regime.

Most of Military and security forces are now killed to destruct and demolish the evidence of his mass civilian killing and eradication of Libyan civilians.

Additionally Gaddafi is now preparing to put millions landmines around Sirt and Tripoli. Gaddafi knows nothing other than killing, bloodshed and gunshot on public.
Kaddafi does not allow any access for aid organizations to assist civilians, even to regions and cities who are under Kaddafi control.
Mean while the opposition urge, cooperate and act very hardly to allow humanitarian aid in even in region which are under Kaddafi control.

What International community, UN and powerful countries can do TO SAVE Libyans? The world must act very urgently on the basis of:
1. To Urgently Recognise the Libyan National transitional council as the only legitimate representative for the Libyan people.
2. To urgently impose No-Fly Zone on Gaddafi war Planes.
3. To urgently arm the opposition (which is more than 99% of Libyan People).
4. To urgently facilitate the access of humanitarian aids to the Libyan cities before it is too late.

Paul in Minneapolis   March 12th, 2011 12:00 am ET

Now with the earthquake in Japan the world is looking elsewhere and I fear that the killing will increase. If France is pushing for the protestors, have them take the lead, along with the Brits and we can aid them. Set-up a zone in the eastern part of the country to protect the people, aid in defending the people and not watch them die.

ganesh   March 12th, 2011 2:53 am ET

The question of whether America should intervene is one of morality that is being asked, dictatorship vs democracy. However I am hesitant for her to commit military assets given the history of Arabs and Muslim nations. Today they will ask for help but tomorrow they may stab America in her back. And I am not truly convinced that the so called revolutions taking place are indeed for the greater good. I would like to see this play out five years from now. Is terrorism flourishing and does Iran have greater influence where it had none before?
America needs to play this smartly. I personally think if she does go in to Libya we should get something in return, a guaranteed oil supply specifically for America. America needs to regain her soft power, be seen as a champion of democracy and stand by her words. Some may think that is greed but the realities out there is absolutely different. These actions that are being called for are costly to America, to her sons and daughters who sacrifice there life's for a foreign people.
I am hesitant for a number of reasons. 1. America is fighting in Afghanistan and she has troops in Iraq still. 2. She is still recovering from a major recession. 3. She has a large, alarming deficit that needs to be resolved. 4. The Iranian nuclear threat is still very real and her devious influence on the Muslim world. 5 Pakistan is a major issues in the war against terrorism, very alarming. 6. Russian military build up needs to be monitored and probably most important is the Chinese military threat- cyber attacks on us military, creation of weapons specifically targeted at the US, spying on the US, becoming increasingly aggressive. In the 21st century the US is being tested and by God she will prevail.

kevin   March 12th, 2011 8:12 am ET

Is this even a question? WOW to the democracy that we have always talked about and our desire to spread. we see people being slaughtered by a dictator but yet we ask such questions? when ppl ask for help to implement democracy and freedom, we should be the first country in the world to help them. @ Steve, it is clear when we help the Zionists so helping the Libyan people would not be considered that. when we call for Iran to stop its nuclear program and we aid Israel in bombing Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine we surly should be worried of criticism from around the world, not only the Arab world. when we accept the fact that Israel bans inspection of its nuclear capabilities by publicly not allowing inspectors to inspect and we support the Saudi dictators that have a law that doesn't allow protests in their country, or have any voting systems, when we support Mubarak and bin Ali for all those brutal years, just because they have a deal to be friends with Israel then we can see than as supporting the Zionists and we should expect blames. Israel is the problem in the middle east. We need those billions of dollars that we send to Israel here in America. we need to pay off our student loans, we need to fix our bridges and we need peace with the Arabs who were always our friends and provide us with oil. we need to help the Libyan people and care about humanity before we care about an illegal occupation and brutality and killing that Israel does. we have ruined our reputation in the arab world, we have supported the most brutal and disgusting human beings on earth, we have paid billions of dollars of tax payers money just to support the zionists. the world knows that and i know they will be the first to turn against us when we are weak. we need democracy and true democracy that is based off honesty and humanity. saudi kings should be kicked out followed but the bahrain king and by all those dictators and We also need israel to get the hell out of there and go back to where they belong if they cant learn how to live with the palestinians and then that area will be perfect and we would have the best relationship with the arabs and we would have good supply of oil and the world would be filled with democracy and peace. but israel has to leave

Paschal Akpudo   March 12th, 2011 9:25 am ET

Us should intervene in Libya

Ray   March 12th, 2011 10:03 am ET

Let them deal with their own mess, to many young Americans are dying on foreign soil....

Marvin Fisher   March 12th, 2011 7:47 pm ET

Regardless of past negative consequences of US involvement in other countries, we are seeing the potential emergence of a newly defined Middle East. This is a historical event and the outcome of economic and political alliances could be either positive or negative. We can only guess.

Yet for the first time it might be possible to defuse the Middle East time bomb. We have finally heard from a people wanting to redefine themselves and break away from oil rich corruption. The momentum of this stopped due to to world's inability to mobilize international decision making bodies. Even though they have reacted faster than ever before. Simply too little too late.

They have asked for everyone's help. That's not interference, it's assistance. They have done their best to reorganize. Bravo France for being the first to recognize this. Good job European Union. Where is our vote of confidence? Even now the Arab League has given requested the implementation of a No Fly Zone, which means we have a local coalition mandate for action

Whether it is American,French, British planes who accomplish the request of the new government, a solid coalition and an urgent need to restore the momentum of Middle East, combined with the imminent massacre which is about to occur, why are the planes from someone already in the air? Why are there not sufficient arms in cargo planes with a training team already en-route.

Tthe plans are already made and ready to implement. Who will have the courage to give the command, recognizing that failure to act decisively and quickly will result in a far worse scenario than any negative outcome based on a fear of whose hands we are putting the weapons into.

Our inactivity is hard for them to understand. They fear for their lives and have looked to the western model of democracy as a source for reform leading to freedom on several fronts. We are no longer going to be dealing with the old corps elite. The young want action and our model of freedom is now somewhat suspect because they cannot understand the geopolitical process. If action is not forthcoming soon from someone, regardless of whom, we could be closing a door of great possibility in the Middle East of tomorrow, including Israel... not to mention the potential castration of terrorism as a method of reform.

If no one else will step forward quickly, it is in the interest of our National Security and foreign relationships to take action immediately, even if it were necessary to be unilateral.

Anonymous   March 13th, 2011 9:43 am ET

Perhaps the American administration should pursue the American policy of isolation and neutrality during the early stages of World War 1 and World War 2 as there is less recrimination if one deploys a force in the area of conflict later.

Also why is there not an Arab force to deal with problems within the Arabic-speaking states? It would then be seen as a conflict of political/cultural hegemony within the same language people as opposed to the great 'evil' American army.

Also has Libya not been on the UN Security Council for two years recently and the Italian Government paid compensation for the colonial years? It seems strange that objection to Gadaffi was not raised before these landmark decisions? Politics is a strange business.

Yaniv Shaked   March 13th, 2011 10:52 am ET

America must intervene. When unarmed people are shot it is unacceptable. When the same thing happened in Egypt the army did not massacre the demonstrators so there was no reason to intervene and it was possible to let them solve their own problems alone. Now however, there are war crimes perpetrated by a brutal regime. There is maybe no need to occupy Lybia or send ground troops but the US must arm the cobatants, bomb Gaddafi's troops and enforce a non flying zone. People always wonder why the free world satnds by when there are genocides and massacres, if NATO starts intevening it will be a message to other dictators that they are not immune

John A   March 13th, 2011 10:55 am ET

Edward,

America has an economic crisis and fraudulent bankers. Should Germany intervene and take over the management of Americas economy? At least the Germans know how to run an economy.

It would be on humanitarian grounds. 43 million Americans live on food stamps. This is awful. America's super rich have taken everything and they let their own people starve. Can the civilized world just sit back and let Americas elite ruin the lives of millions of ordinary American people?

Edward would you like a more successful nation to over take the running of America?

Americans are not doing a very good job of running themselves. More people die in America from gun crime every year, than have in Libya. By such a measure the UN should really bomb America, over take this messed up land and restore civilization.

Edward, do you like that idea?

markjuliansmith   March 13th, 2011 11:28 am ET

Only if it can be assured those US citizens who will die as a result die in the cause of a better future for the citizens of Libya. A future not determined by an Islamic religious text which chains reason as it chains choice particularly for women.

The west should no longer give support to regimes which do not reflect Democratic values for in the end the oppressed will not thank us for the short term convenience we seek to derive at their expense.

This also applies to rebel forces of any country such as occurred in Afghanistan for as we saw there to support Infamy against Infamy does not work. We insist any support we give to elevate anyone to power requires their adherence to Democratic values or get lost.

Clearly we must do everything in our power to prevent massacres of civilians as the first priorities no matter the political dogma but as for picking between the better of two evils that type of diplomacy has clearly been proved to be flawed.

The Libyan crises must be halted forcefully if necessary with Russia and China leading the way for who else understands the value of human life above personal gain?

Craig   March 13th, 2011 12:22 pm ET

When the oil starts to run short in America, the US will intervene, On a 'humanitarian mission' and stay there for 6 years claiming to be helping the people.

come on thats what they did in Iraq.

Pascal Fares   March 13th, 2011 4:09 pm ET

It is up to each country to decide! but if we leave a dictator to kill his own people, how could we pretend to defend democracy? in other country of interest?
An perhaps with no help the 7 century vales will prevails!

FIscher   March 13th, 2011 8:57 pm ET

YES!!!! INTERVENE. Otherwise all the bloodshed and lives that have been given up in the name of freedom will mean nothing. All other oppressed people will be afraid of fighting for their rights if civilized countries do not stand behind them. Mad dog Ghadafi is killing people who want nothing more than freedom. Get that SOB out of there so the Libyan people can have a free election.

deuelwoodward   March 13th, 2011 11:12 pm ET

Israel should intervene in Libya. If they help the rebels, and theanti-Gaddaffi forces triumph in the end, then there will be three contiguous democracies. Israel will no longer be the villified arch-enemy of the Moslems. Arabs will be ambivalent about Jews if they receive help from the Israelis in a big way. The whole labyrinth of problems in the Middle East will be cast in a new light.

jayo   March 14th, 2011 2:23 am ET

Middle East thinks where to put the rich cash reserve, foreign direct investment grow from 6 to 7% in 2009 and the investment came from among them self,helping and developing(Real estate and manufacturing in egypt, Energ project in libya and tourist sector in tunisia)..NOW we Know the Truth . First usa,then Europe these are country where they think of relocate the money,NOW we know who escalate the Middle East Unrest. AND WE all know who are having BAD DEBT.

Saying Bringing Democracy is all part of a good Narrated story,If they want they could have done 30Years or 41 Years Before..

Ana   March 14th, 2011 8:14 am ET

Given that we are all interconnected there is no way for us to escape involvement. Although, we can be prudent and reduce our risks based on the type of involvement we take. I do not support any boots on the ground – this is something that even the Libyans (as well as other Middle Eastern countries) also reject. I do support all of the steps we've taken so far and do definately want us to implement the no fly zone. My reasons for supporting the no fly zone are due to the following;
If we do not take more robust action to support the path to democracy of the peoples of Middle Eastern countries we will lose them, they will become ripe for radicalization. The longer we wait the the greater the risk that non US friendly groups have to radicalize the population.
This is what happened in Bosnia – the West did not come to the aid of the Bosniaks and they turned to the extremist mujahideen fighters for help. The Bosniaks were being massacred by the Serbs, they would have sold their soul to the devil and they did. Today Bosnia is a gateway for exteremists to the West. There are areas in Bosnia not even the Bosnian goverment can venture into because the extremist Wahhabi's rule those areas – the Bosnian goverment is at their mercy. These extremists are recruiting the once moderate Bosniam Mulsims and their numbers are growing. Just to mention several facts and statements; Two of the 9/11 terrorists were Saudi Bosnian War veterans. Richard Holbrooke called the arrival of the mujahideen to Bosnia "a pact with the devil" from which Bosnia still is recovering. Holbrooke further states in an interview – "There were over 1,000 people in the country who belonged to what we then called Mujahideen freedom fighters. We now know that that was al-Qaida. I'd never heard the word before, but we knew who they were. And if you look at the 9/11 hijackers, several of those hijackers were trained or fought in Bosnia"

Evan F. Kohlmann,an American terrorism consultant who has worked for the US government and the FBI , wrote: "Some of the most important factors behind the contemporary radicalization of European Muslim youth can be found in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the cream of the Arab mujahideen from Afghanistan tested their battle skills in the post-Soviet era and mobilized a new generation of pan-Islamic revolutionaries."

What it boils down to is that we really don't have a choice if we want stagnate the Muslim extremists and with that remain safe in the world.

uk   March 14th, 2011 9:46 am ET

i dont think anyone but the muslim an arabs countrys shounld intervene they are already blaming america so let the big mouth IRAN step in or are they just talk,just this once let them deal with their own problems then when it all goes wrong they cant blame anyone.

JETS 199   March 14th, 2011 10:54 am ET

In 1945, Europe greeted the Americans with relief from the worst dictator in centuries. A different story can be said regards other wars initiated by the Americans. We all know from history that a two front war, which is still being fought in Afghanistan and Iraq is difficult to maintain, especially if there is absolutely no appreciation from the citizens of the occupied countries themselves. Most western states do not want to engage themselves in another fiasco, like the one in afore mentioned states
In Libya we have a total different scenario altogether, the Libyan population is asking for help. We must intervene and not only because they have oil.
Words have to follow actions, let me remodel Madeleine Albright's sentence. There is a special hell for those humans who do not help other humans.
By the way how long can you support such a despot, a complete unreliable, delusioned bully, who shows absolutely no empathy for anyone, if the international community is not intervening, we are going to see a wholesale slaughter on a grand scale. Can we as human beings let that happen? Do we want to repeat a second Ruanda? In international law we can intervene on humanitarian grounds, let's do it and do it now.

miriam   March 14th, 2011 12:17 pm ET

kevin,

Israel is not a signitory the Nuclear NPT so is under no obligation to have anyone inspect their facilities.

The military aid Israel receives from the US (no economic aid) is mostly repaid back into the US economy and large amounts are spent on joint defense projects. The amount of aid is negligible compared to the billions spent on military and economic aid to other countries around the world, many of whom support anti-American policies and propaganda.

The widely refered to "occupation" is not an occupation under international law and is definitely not illegal.

Zionism existed long before the existence of the US and the discovery of oil in the region, and modern Zionism is not the problem in the ME.
For centuries, anti-Jewish massacres and protests all over the developed and less-developed world called for the Jews to go back to where they came from, ie the Holyland.
It's time the other nations in the region learned to accept the Jews' and their history and then there might be peace although in all likelihood, they'll continue fighting among themselves and probably more so since they won't have the "Israel" excuse to unite them.

But for those who accept the myths and lies and are willing to appease the Arabs at the expense of the Jews, these concepts are hard to grasp and they will continue posting hate and hypocrisy at any opportunity.

Ariely   March 14th, 2011 1:12 pm ET

kevin said:we have supported the most brutal and disgusting human beings on earth
----
When we hear the speech of the Muslim brotherhood leader in Cairo delivered in Arabic, before 1 million people saying is:
!!!!! Hitler didn’t finish the job against the Jews.
!!!!!! Now the Muslims brotherhood will finish the job.
It is Nazism genocide
Watch BBC program Third eye Egypt.
--
*When we hear that bombs killed Christian's prayers from Cairo to Bagdad, do we hear Arabs/Iran humanity?
*When we hear that non Muslims have been decapitated from Algeria up the Philippines, do we hear Arabs/Iran humanity?
*When we hear that slavery is still practice in Sudan and Golf states, do we hear Arabs/Iran humanity?
**When we hear that Arabs just slaughtered a family of 5–father,mother and 3 children–the youngest 4 month old while slipping in their house, do we see Arab/iran humanity?
*When we hear that Arabs kill Israeli civilians ,and later requiring to get immunity for their crimes when the defending Israel responses do we hear Arabs/Iran humanity?
*When we hear that women have been raped and the women is punished while the men are free, do we hear Arabs/Iran humanity?
*When we see women dressed in black sacks, do we see Arabs/Iran humanity?
*When we learn of amputations and stoning, do we see Arabs/Iran humanity?
* When we hear the hate preaching and teaching worldwide funded by Arab countries- we hear Arabs/Iran genocide.
( Refer to BBC program Panorama)
*When we learn the hate TV shows dedicated to children garden,-we see Arabs/Iran genocide.
*When we hear of honor killing of wife's, doters, brothers, do we see Arabs/Iran humanity?
?
-----
WHAT WE SEE IS THE:
7 CENTURY ISLAMSIT IDIOLOGY FIGHTING TO IMPOSE THEIR VALES AND RULL IN THE 21 CENTURY!!!
-–
Propaganda and spreading leis is what the Arabs are doing while using the lay to infidels cult named Taqiyya/

The anti Israeli chorus will not be confused by real facts.
They will not demonstrate, not initiate protest weeks, not vote or boycode the countries and political groups practicing the above atrocities :
What should be the name for the so called human rights groups that are supporting Arabs,Iran and organizations by ideology and practice are against all the values they pretended to protect?
HYPOCRATS
They are in a mission: Building the false myth

proud zionist   March 14th, 2011 1:52 pm ET

John Nazi A

what has AIPAC done to the US?

you antisemitic hatemonger, dabble in English politics, denounce the English occupation of parts of Ireland, denounce the commies who came all out of British universities and just get lost, you stupid nitwit

truth is   March 14th, 2011 4:57 pm ET

truth is that america or europe are people who would intervene to help the people of libya but all the bias countrys standing bye watching ie iran who constantly with press tv blame the usa an europe for everything so if we went to help an then get out lose some of are own people we will still get the blame for the outcome,so africa should sort there problem not the west an not the middle east country ..........but there not maybe iran will help erm big no just a big mouth so do we let people die or shounld usa an europe go an sort it out cos no one else will an if we do there will a backlash so i think a big NO

truth is   March 14th, 2011 4:59 pm ET

or yes when ask for help publicly on tv

Billy Spudd   March 14th, 2011 5:09 pm ET

Yes, the US should intervene or else in the future else be happy with Khaddafi and keep its mouth shut when he screws us over again.

Roelof   March 14th, 2011 7:11 pm ET

Out of humanity, I would say shoot all those Qaddafi fighters. When it comes to oil and them doing business, I would say no. The sooner one party wins the better (doesn't make any difference). When we take a look at Iran, that revolution backfired. It was a desire for freedom that disappeared in a blink of an eye with Islam. Islam isn't freedom.

sayidmohamud   March 14th, 2011 10:45 pm ET

How long is the United States going to be the police of the World? I don't think there should any an intervention in the Libya's internal affairs. Unity of Libya is must and obligation that rides on shoulder of Gadafi. He is their leader and knows what is best for his people and his nation.I see any an intervention from the E U or West nations as a new colonization and looting of Libya's OIL, which should not be allowed by any means.

Sam   March 15th, 2011 1:37 am ET

US should intervene in Libya, because we shouldn't let lunatics like Gaddafi and his son's slaughter innocent civilian people. Gaddafi has fighter jets and helicopters, that is what is allowing him to stay in power. He using mercenaries to kill his own people for God's sake.

icreepin   March 15th, 2011 1:37 am ET

The only reasons the rebels are asking for our help is they know they can not win with out it.

joyce cheng   March 15th, 2011 4:36 am ET

Kaddafi is a brutal dictator, let the US and its european allies take him out......

RamachandranTP   March 15th, 2011 12:59 pm ET

No, never. Let the U.N. decide what to do and then a coalition force can do what ever is decided in the UN. Already US has burnt its fingers in Iraq, why again...

Marc   March 15th, 2011 4:47 pm ET

I agree with some people here let the europeans deal with it this time Its allways U S A and what happens after? All blame the U S A Im danish and hear it all the time so forget about it people Let other do the dirty work ..

poet brian stark   March 15th, 2011 7:56 pm ET

Here comes the sun-shining all its might!
taking darkened life and giving some light...
for as much we, Humans, do place away-
the sun lets them know their here today!
true mornings would shine just as bright--
.........if had no slavery, corruption, and evil–us to fight!!
yet the sun would smile even brighter-
if all could live their lives in laughter!
as too the stars and moon would shine...
if not the tears-dropping off-souls at night!
I wish all were birds for life wouldn't be–horrible–
yet I'm man–during times-slavery, corruption, and evil minds!
and I have wishes of many-both day and light...
as, too, dreaming of night-filled with might...
I'm not speaking of seeing-it is of believing-
as, too, not believing–I plead of seeing...
I swear it only takes....OPEN YOUR EYES-
for not looking at sun–yet see which alive!
O! whom does thrive, whom does thrive-
and whom is barely found-for the sun does so try

poet brian stark   March 15th, 2011 7:57 pm ET

O! what is the purpose of the UNITED NATIONS--
for their doctrine says–which I'm not seeing!
don't we give billions and billions....
then why is one child crying??
don't you make speeches after speeches...
......yet DICtators have a pretty good run!!!
O! you can kill your people for thirty years--
then the united nations will get ya!!!!!!
NO! I want my monies worth-
in form of end to world thirst, hunger,
slavery of innocent CHILDREN, good-bye corruption,
unequal education, no medical attention!
O! good-bye, good-bye to corruption-
for they erase which been written!

P.S..about 1 million innocent people in (......) are about to be killed by their leader (......) and the UNITED NATIONS is talking about what to do...I heard they are working on a NO FLY ZONE...HOW ABOUT...a no kill your people zone...but I guess that ain't your department...though if you read your charter...YOU WOULD SEE IT RIGHT THERE...but I guess 1 million plus will have to go..they must be too poor for you to give a damn!

purnima Adlakha   March 16th, 2011 1:16 am ET

It is better not to interfere in Libya or any nations internal politics. It creates a bad name for America. It is their internal matter. There are always two sides of a story. South American leaders view the whole situation at a different angle. Russia and India are smart to keep their opinions to themselves.
I would rather put my energy in Japan or where people are suffering from natural disasters.

Abdullah Bakush   March 16th, 2011 4:10 am ET

The West has been quick to freeze Libya's assets and denounce Gaddafi but slow to provide practical military support. The west should release these frozen assets to the Libyan council to allow them buy weapons to defend themselves and remove Gaddafi.

Abdullah Bakush
Bengazhi

Nagy Beshay   March 16th, 2011 9:12 am ET

You should push the free Arab country to intervene and support the free people of Libya to get ride of this crazy dog of middle east who suppress and kill his own people .

Jype   March 16th, 2011 11:13 am ET

Do not – not only in Libya – not any where !!

Marvin Fisher   March 16th, 2011 3:15 pm ET

Just wondering why my comment several days ago wasn't posted"

shanon   March 16th, 2011 3:24 pm ET

I believe if we intervene, we need to let the people of the country decide who the leader shall be and not install a puppet of the U.S. it would go a long way in the middle east if when we got involved we didn't put in who we think is the best option but let the people pick. I think the Arab world would respect the west if we just didn't go in guns blazing and bombing the place to rubble then instilling a west picked government then leaving without helping rebuild. we need to crack down on our support for israel as well. they cause hell because they know we will defend them.

ybnormal   March 16th, 2011 5:39 pm ET

I can't think of an epithet strong enough to describe my disgust with the the reaction of the world community to the Libyan revolt against that vile dictator Gadhafi. At the VERY least, those governments which are opposed to Gadhafi's rule (like, 99.9%) should have already provided humanitarian aid to the rebels. I believe that the rebels should also be supplied with weaponry which will at least begin to level the playing field.

Words and sanctions mean absolutely nothing to Gadhafi; all he understands and responds to is action. If there are not enough traditional military resources to "put boots on the ground", surely there are sufficient resources in the way of special forces from those countries against the Gadhafi regime to make some sort of difference.

These rebels have been forsaken by every single country. WHY!

melanie white   March 17th, 2011 12:07 am ET

I'm not a frigin genius but four days ago I knew this nuclear thing was going to be devastating. I must say I am totally horrified by the way the public is being let into the so called disclosers or new findings. I for one admire and love the loyalty of the Japaneese people.But, in my heart I know the men and woman WHO ARE GIVING THEIR LIVES UP were probally radiated beyond hope and therefore cvontinued to save the lives of those they love.I am disgusted as a veiwer to be treated as an idiot being told we don't know> Well you Guys are are the experts if your not sure who the HELL IS! I have cried,I have prayed, I have trusted in God and now all I want is the TRUTH!!!

melanie white   March 17th, 2011 12:13 am ET

oops thought this was a reply for JAPAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...

melanie white   March 17th, 2011 12:13 am ET

see its true im not a genius

mosta   March 17th, 2011 1:34 am ET

to Nothinyahu
Shut up men what you are tallking about?
Have you heard that AIPAC is gone down whithout any noticeable influnece!
Come on stupid you are

Rene' Abril   March 17th, 2011 1:50 am ET

You've got to be kidding...LOL

With more Chineese money?
Well who's money then? LOL

Denis   March 17th, 2011 7:25 am ET

Until 30 min. ago I was very caucious about the thought of intervening in the Middle East. We're Dammed if we do, Dammed if we don't.

But, I just saw the very brave CNN reporter with the so called Libya army ... They are freaky nuts! ... Ignorant, week minded thugs with lethal toys.
I was waiting for one to yell "look mum I'm tough I've got gun... pull this thing then pull this and it makes pow pow pow noise?!!

I'm not trying to be funny, people are being MURDERED, SHOT AND TORTURED. What happens when these fools are let loose in the name of who knows what against men women and children of their own ancestry? Without help the PEOPLE WILL SUFFER AND DIE!

Why don't other Arab / North African countries assist the people against these armed fruitcakes.

Put right before wrong, people before profit and power.

Denis.

Proudly Australian.

shamen   March 17th, 2011 11:17 am ET

yes its needed as any person in authority orders to shoot its own people
needs western powers to intervene. The Libyan people need the support to over throw a tyrant .Gaddafi will get mercenaries and kill millions to be in power. Its still shocking for world powers to watch this nonesense played in front of them . The Mad dog of middle east needs to go soon. As he is the biggest terrorist of all Lockerbie Pan am flight. What a coward piece of human farce to kill innocent people. i cant fathom why world is rationalizing on action which is much required and key installations needs to bombed to cripple Gaddafi to be hanged on National television Of Libya and it should be declared a public holiday through out the region.

shamen   March 17th, 2011 11:21 am ET

Obama please take Gaddafi out before he slaughters millions for his own survival.

Broadsword   March 17th, 2011 11:28 am ET

sayidmohamud, if your statement is your true opinion, discard the knowledge, trappings, technologies and relationships of all countries that you believe to be associated with the history of colonization.

What will that leave you with? ... don't blow your top ... think about it. You would have missed the industrial revolution, you wouldn't even have camels for transportation (look up the spice and silk trade). Oh! ... you can't communicate with anyone not even a letter let alone a PC, Mac, Internet or Mobile Phone.
"Looting of Libya's OIL" who is steeling it? I have been mislead, I thought we paid for it! What are my shares in? Where did Ghadafi, your leader, get billions of dollars? How did magnificent Kuwait afford its world leading architecture and infrastructure? Export oil for $$$$$, just like every country selling goods and services.

Please open your mind to the world, read between the lines, stop living in the past unless that is your choice. Do to others as you would have them do to you (That is not my quote, but it says it all).

Broadsword.

John A   March 17th, 2011 11:52 am ET

It seems the Americans like to intervene when they know their opposition doesn't have the ability to fight back.

Other countries have worse human rights, but America won't intervene because such countries can fight back. Or America might even need them to buy Americas national debt.

Intervening all comes down to American cowardice.

Here is a thought:

Americans are very brave when being asked to use advanced helicopters to fire rockets at Afghans who don't have the technology to read or write.

In Japan a nuclear disaster can devastate the west coast of America. Americas servicemen have sworn to protect America. But they wont go near the nuclear plant because its dangerous!!!!

Conclusion: Americans can't help the nuclear disaster because they don't have an unmanned drone which can fix reactors. Americans only take action when they cant get hurt. Even so they have managed to lose every conflict they have fought since 1945.

Go for it America, show the world that you have learned nothing and are capable of fixing nothing.

Eddy   March 17th, 2011 1:03 pm ET

NO, flat out NO.

son of arab   March 17th, 2011 3:35 pm ET

qaddafi will lose ,but usa will lose more ,they are not interested
or afraid from the opposition but i will whispe in thier ears that muslim will be closer to islam and stronger. evey time they became under a persecuted , Terrorism will be what you afraid from.

Ariely   March 17th, 2011 7:01 pm ET

Silent-Silent-Silent—Silent

* Why organizations in the west claiming to protect human rights,freedom, democracy,women equality are silent?
Why they don’t demand to protect people from Arab,Iran countries against dictators and theocrats regimes?

*They don’t: demonstrate, sign petitions,vote resolutions,demand boycode,burn flags,block embassy,conduct anti oppression weeks in universities.

*They don’t demand to outlaw the hate preaching organizations.
The speech of the Muslim brotherhood leader in Cairo delivered in Arabic, before 1 million people saying is:
!!!!! Hitler didn’t finish the job against the Jews.
!!!!!! Now the Muslims brotherhood will finish the job.
Watch BBC program Third eye Egypt.
---
Because they are busy!

They are busy in a mission: Building the false myth of Israel.
How should be called the human rights organizations claiming to :
*Protect 21 century democracy and human right values
But:
*That are totally ignoring the decades long people operation in Arab/ Iran counties
*Joining foreces with the ones that stand against everything they pretend to demand?
Hypocrats.
-
Hippocrates of all world!
Wake up!
Act helping oppressed people to get the rights you claim to stand for!
Stop being marionettes manipulated by lying propaganda

phuckislam   March 18th, 2011 12:58 am ET

KHADAFI ROCKS!!!

The world may not like Khadafi, but he's the only moslem in the middle east that doesn't wait for "consensus" or look over his shoulder to see if he has backing or whatever. The SOB is one smart north african that will not hesitate to slaughter several thousand fellow moslems to maintain his way of life, and that of his buddies.

Trust me, after the smoke settles and the other moslem nations do NOTHING, the sand will swallow up the mass graves of the few thousand brave that opposed him. Amazingly, the "great" moslem leader, Egypt will sit on its hands and show the world that islam is a do nothing, cowardly theology that is only capable of killing those that are less capable of a good fight.

However many moslems this madman kills... IT'S A DAMN GOOD START!!!

martim   March 18th, 2011 1:42 am ET

Do nothing is not an option..

Ralph Pinto   March 20th, 2011 4:43 am ET

The US should intervene in Libya.No ruler should be allowed to destroy human rights by forcing his way on them.However this same yardstick should be used on Bahrain.Why is Bahrain not being spoken about and the other countries.in the Arab world.Human rights are being trampled there but ofcourse the west or the UN do not interfere there as they are our Dictators under our sphere of influence.
I feel that we must have a common yardstick wherein the UN or any country should interfere in another country's affairs .

coletteroberts   March 20th, 2011 11:10 am ET

I feel we need to help when gadaffi is attacking and killing his own people.Agood leader does not harm his own people,he listens to them,freedom of speach is what every one is entitled too.Our country needs to also think of its own people we booked to go to Eygypt,right in the middle of all the problems.We have young children due to money our goverment will not let us transferre to a safe country.We have young children that are not used to being introduced to violence, war Trouble.So why should we have to wait ,put our children in danger and loose also what money we have and saved for ,for over 12 months.So our country is not always diplomatically correct and put our people first.I do feel for these people and Japan but we cant be accountable for the whole world.Our country ib begining to struggle looking after our own.It would make better sense to stop us from flying to problem countries,instead of having to find another expense send in a plane when our people are in danger.The goverment need to think of its own citizens to before the effect.

drapes curtains   April 24th, 2011 3:50 pm ET

Heya this theme is really interesting. Keep it going teammate !

icons set   October 5th, 2012 1:39 am ET

It is remarkable, very useful message


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