Oil!

     Some in the Middle East have found hope after years of enduring tyranny. The people, by simply protesting, have been influential enough that two dictators have been removed from power. Libya  witnessed their neighbor Egypt succeed and followed suit. Three countries will have changed their leadership if Gaddafi leaves. With more unrest in Syria and Yemen the changes are not finished yet. The Middle East is having a sundering of political landscape. We are getting involved in hopes of gaining allies or favor when the dust settles. Unfortunately it seems as though we are passed the point of standing by with only aid and protection. Gaddafi will undoubtedly accuse the US as orchestrating the military action. He has to be removed  or the show of force will have been wasted. Gaddafi will exact revenge on the revolutionaries once the coalition leaves.

      The coalition will give only protection for the civilians, but is not opposed to the US or GB giving arms. Pres. Obama already approved covert missions in Libya. But we must not get too involved. Lest we forget, we still have troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Our economy is in trouble and we can’t afford to be the world police. Congress would assuredly vote against another engagement. We might have our own protests otherwise.  We could potentially get drawn into a larger conflict by angering allies, Russia does not approve of our coalition's actions. This could spark anger enough to trigger an anti-coalition movement to support Gaddafi simply to oppose the (perceived) US led coalition.

      At home the conflict is causing a stir among republicans. Some say Obama overstepped his authority by authorizing military action. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson (R-IL) wants to pass the Reclaim Act to prevent all further action now. However it appears to be political posturing. Where were the republican protesters when Bush was pushing for war in Iraq? In fact Obama was within his powers as described in the War Powers Resolution. Johnson does have a point however: we the people, do not want another drawn out conflict  for “American interests.” We have a genuine concern with being stretched too thin militarily and economically. We are already paying more at the pump due to disruptions (or anticipated disruptions) in global oil supply . Helping Libya approaches the goal of fast resolution and avoiding prolonged civil war.