Obama, Libya's Gadhafi and America's Use of Force

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Government forces and Libyan rebels traded rocket fire today as Moammar Gadhafi continued to defy international demands for a cease-fire. Hillary Clinton is in London with more than 40 nations and international groups making plans for non-military efforts at rebel support and regime change. Last night, in a televised address, President Obama laid out what's being called a new "doctrine." He said the US had a "unique ability to stop the violence, an international mandate and a plea for help from the Libyan people themselves." He also said removing Gadhafi by force is not an option, even though regime change is Administration policy. Is this selective use of American power really a "doctrine?" Does it give Gadhafi a chance to stay? Is it abandonment of strong leadership or a prudent adjustment to an increasingly complex world?

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Warren Olney