LIBYA: The Limits of Military Force

The New York Times, By Christopher M. Schnaubelt

18 May, 2011

As the third month of military operations begins, the NATO-led efforts to protect civilians in Libya are subject to a vast array of questions. The most important is whether political leaders are fully cognizant of the inherent limits of military force in achieving humanitarian goals. Whether it is called “kinetic military action” or “war,” all combat is subject to fog and friction in a contest of wills — even when the ultimate purpose is defending innocent bystanders.

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SYRIA: Syrian military tightens grip in areas of unrest

Associated Press

10 May, 2011

BEIRUT (AP) — Tanks and troops rolled into southern villages near the heart of Syria’s anti-government uprising Tuesday, while officials in Washington said the U.S. administration is edging closer to calling for an end to the Assad family’s long rule after its violent suppression of the protests.

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SYRIA: Solider: troops ‘refused to fire on protesters’

Euronews, May 4, 2011

As Syria intensifies its clampdown on anti-government protesters, international pressure on the regime is being stepped up.

It comes as new amateur video, the authenticity of which cannot be verified, purports to show mass arrests in Deraa.

The US has described Syria’s reported tactics – using tanks and arbitrary arrests – as “barbaric measures” against “innocent civilians”. France has called on the EU to impose sanctions on Syrian leaders.

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LIBYA: Gaddafi’s son: We will deal with terrorists first and then talk reform

The Washington Post, By Simon Denyer

April 17, 2011

TRIPOLI, Libya — Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the influential second son of Moammar Gaddafi who was once seen as the great hope for reform in Libya, is clear on two points: He and his government have done nothing wrong, and they are not going to back down.

In an interview that reflected the defiance of the Gaddafi family more than two months into its efforts to put down a rebellion supported by the United States and its allies, the 38-year-old said the world had gone to war with Libya based on nothing more than rumor and propaganda.

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LIBYA: NATO: ‘We Will Do What It Takes’ To Protect Libyan Civilians

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty By Rikard Jozwiak

April 14, 2011

NATO foreign ministers have endorsed calls for Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi to leave power, amid divisions among alliance members on the campaign to protect civilians in the North African country.

At a meeting in Berlin, NATO foreign ministers agreed the alliance would continue its Libya mission as long as was needed.

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