Defense Sec Gates Says Libya Is Not a ‘Vital Interest’ for U.S.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he doesn’t think Libya is “a vital interest” for the United States, but he does say the North African nation is part of a region that’s of vital American interest.

Gates tells NBC’s “Meet the Press” that “we clearly have interests” in Libya, though he doesn‘t believe it’s a vital American interest.

President Barack Obama, who’s scheduled a speech Monday about Libya, used his weekend radio address to explain his decision to take military action against Moammar Gadhafi.

Obama said that when innocent people are being “brutalized” and when a leader such as Gadhafi threatens “a bloodbath that could destabilize an entire region” and when other countries are ready to help save lives, then it’s in “our national interest to act.”

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Comments (93)

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  • BetterDays
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:33am

    Double Speak, nothing to see here, move along, move along…………You there sir, why do you tarry, no that’s not a “ vital” human being …………….you there madam, yes that oil is “ vital”, but it’s not for you……………. Move along……………………………..move along”……………………….Mean while back on the ranch, Little Rickies mom and dad sit at the kitchen table late at night………..Honey we can’t afford food this month and the mortgage , let alone this skyrocketing energy bill…………….nothing to see here……………

    Report Post »  
  • Richard Compton
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:32am

    There’s something else going on here. Who would be the leaders in the Arab world who would be least likely to go along with the New World Order Agenda? How might those wanting a New World Order go about creating an enviroment where regime changes would assist them? Now take a look at what is happening in the Middle East with this idea in mind, see how the picture begins to change. So who’s pulling the strings, who’s moving behind the curtian and pulling the levers, Unions, Socialists, Extreemists etc. And who’s financing them? Where is George Soros, and what is he doing?

    Report Post »  
    • BrokenVessel
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 12:30pm

      During 2008 campaign, Biden cryptically said: “It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking…. Watch, we’re gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy….I can give you at least four or five scenarios from where it might originate. And he’s gonna need help… Because it’s not gonna be apparent initially, it‘s not gonna be apparent that we’re right.

      There is definitely more than meets the eye going on here. . . Biden made his comments after receiving the Bush White House intelligence reports, if I recall correctly.

      Report Post »  
  • LibsRstupid
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:30am

    Waffle is very good name for BAMBI.

    Report Post »  
  • jarheadone
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:29am

    Not a vitial interest? After we spend hundreds of millions on Tomahawk missles and other support, perhaps it’s a ploy just to continue to spend our tax dollars until it destroys our economy. Can’t get money from the Congress or Senate because they want to cut budgets, then just do this, it works just as well.

    Report Post » jarheadone  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:18am

    More confusion from this flawed administration. Gates said libya“is not vital”, yet he goes on to say,“we clearly have interests”. We’ve already spent tens of millions of our tax dollars, and will be begging the chinese to loan us more big time. Meanwhile,our dollar value is shrinking because of higher gas, and food prices, and the president, and congress are quarreling over less then 100 billion in budget cuts. What ever happened to that old slogan of the clinton campaign. Its the economy stupid! Here’s a new one I have, Leave north africa and arabia to the islamic fundamentalists, and bring our heroic troops home.

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
  • Meyvn
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:17am

    Then we shouldn’t be there. Our so-called leaders are either STUPID, or LIARS.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
  • quicker
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:15am

    Who will lay the wreith at tomb of the Unknown Soldier this year.Bet it won`t be Berry

    Report Post » quicker  
  • eat-more-bacon-USA
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:09am

    The so-called “Libyan Rebels” whom obama is assisting, are closely linked to or are known members of al-qaeda. Just as in Egypt, once the formal government of Libya collapses, al-qaeda and the muslim-brotherhood will seize control – - obama’s goal in attacking Libya is becoming clear…..

    Report Post » eat-more-bacon-USA  
  • TOPOFTHEGAME
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:04am

    Barry and MooseShell need another VACATION

    Report Post »  
  • QuietRiot
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:50am

    Why in the world are we their first second lets get out and third when we went in out main priority should have bee Al Queda assets now they have missiles and lord knows what else. Pis poor planning and no objective yet we must promote the socialist prograssive agenda not Freedom. IMPEACH and ARREST All organizations involved in destabalizing this nation for their own nefarious reasons.

    Report Post »  
  • Buck_Ofama
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:48am

    I never liked this pompous know-it-all Gates. He should keep his opinions, right or wrong, to himself. He was elected by no one. Just do your job and shut up or, run for office.

    Report Post » Buck_Ofama  
  • KeithOlbermann
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:43am

    “Well, it’s kinda sorta important not really, really important or not really important. We’ll keep checking the polling data and if it becomes not really important or really, really important we‘ll do something different but as long as it remains kinda sorta important we’ll just keep doing what we’re doing.” If Sarah Palin were president and her defense secretary said this she would be crucified in the press. Just saying.

    Report Post »  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 11:00am

      If Sarah were president, the American people would QUICKLY know her intentions and before the rest of the world had time to react the situation would be over.

      CARPET bombing? …. done

      GLASS parking lot?…..already done

      This woman has more BALLS than this entire Administration.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
  • Apple Bite
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:34am

    This Libyan situation is all a ruse. Watch this hand, stop looking over here…

    Report Post » Apple Bite  
  • FLyoverman
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:28am

    Maybe we need Lybian sand to make concrete? Liberals have a knack for focusing resources on things that are utterly unimportant.

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:50am

      There is one other thing we could do, Obama figures on reducing the nuclear stockpile of America shortly, so instead of dismantling them, why not make a portion of Quaddafi’s compound and army into a sea of glass at 10000 degrees temperatures.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • jarheadone
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:27am

    The Greatest nation in the world, America, yet were led by people with ambitions that will destroy our country as a whole. Millions of men have died to protect our values. Would these men, could they see us now, ask why?

    Report Post » jarheadone  
    • drbage
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:45am

      I give thanks everyday to the men and women in our armed forces who have fought and are fighting to defend this country. I am also thankful that the majority of those who served and died in WWII are no longer alive to see what the country they defended so valiantly has become.

      Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:45am

      China

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • Dobodura
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 2:02pm

      My father, a WWII veteran taugh his children to love this country because it offered freedoms that couldn’t be found anywhere else in the world. When my husband was in the Army during the Viet Nam war, my father told him to be proud of wearing the uniform. At a parade, we had to stand, remove hats and honor the flag as it went by. He taught us that duty, honor and country were important. I don’t think people believe that any longer.

      Report Post » Dobodura  
  • 9thCommandment
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:21am

    No doubt between a rock & a hardplace when dealing with Middle East Dictators. The Problem in that area can be summed up by the WHO song Won’t Get Fooled Again,“Meet the new boss same as the old boss” and I’ll add a line “excpet the new boss will hate the US with more fanaticism.” Still BHO & his pukes are getting away with too much inept moves. Any Repube Prez would had his feet held to the fire by all the media.

    Report Post »  
  • Tnredneck
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:16am

    Gates is another oboma blunder. Doesn’t deserve the suit he is in.
    I feel really bad for our troops over there. Gates should give up his stars and retire.

    Report Post »  
  • Mister_Bill
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:16am

    This President and his minions are starting to sound really wishy-washy. If Mr Gates thinks that were do not have any interests there then I think he should take a class on Politics. Maybe Teacher Barry will explain it to him. I am waiting for him to say “I voted for it before I voted against it”. I have never heard such a bunch of B-S from our leaders. They think that they are running for office, not that they are actually running it. Grow up and act like a man Mr President.

    Report Post » Mister_Bill  
  • brntout
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:15am

    Well then I think obama has alot of ‘ssplaining to do besides it’s a kinetic this or that and all the other poor explanations

    Report Post »  
    • bobodu
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 1:43pm

      I’m still waiting for “The Truth” as to why we started two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

      Report Post »  
  • jacobstroubles
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:14am

    At this point.. Pay no attention to the scum, minions behind the curtian.
    It is toooooo late!
    Focus on getting your personal affiars in order with GOD!
    The Door is about to open.
    If you choose (and you absolutely may), then 7 years will be huge, long time.

    Report Post »  
    • icareabouttheusa
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:19am

      Amen! RUAWAKEYET?? Be prepared, folks.

      Report Post »  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:46am

      Truth.
      Coming soon to a planet you live on.
      Bad news, no going home early.
      Good news, all who believe ( and say so ) on the Lord Jesus are going home soon.
      Real bad news, those who aren’t saved become “ bird ” food.
      Next few biblical actions to take place: let he whom is righteous be righteous still, let he whom is good be good still, let he whom is evil be evil still, and let he who is wicked be wicked still. ( different “ marks ” applied to one and all, which shall you receive ?) and bowls and vials for seven years. No one knows the day or the hour, that leaves the month and the year to be known.

      “If at all possible be at peace with all men, forgive those that harm you, do good to them, for in doing so you heap coals upon their heads.”

      Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:13am

    While I didn’t always agree with Libya, I respected it because it had sand and towels.

    Report Post »  
    • chirodoc007
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:40am

      That’s hysterical!

      Maybe we can have William Kennedy Smith and “the Boys” celebrate Uncle Teddy’s memory with a weekend fling in Tripoli? That poor woman that tried to report a rape yesterday, and was quickly silenced, makes Libya look like the perfect local for a Kennedy party.

      Report Post »  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:44am

      Rof Lmao !!!

      Report Post » Stoic one  
  • 912828Buckeye
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:11am

    It is but it isn’t. Gates is talking out both sides of his mouth.
    Probably trying to cover for his bosses blunders.

    Report Post » 912828Buckeye  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:53am

      Bingo! We have a winner.

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • drhunt
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:57am

      The question is: How long will Gates stay as Sec. of Defense? He must know that BO is doing Soros’s bidding, and I can‘t believe that Gates would place American soldiers in harms way for a freakin’ socialist. The clock is ticking on his resignation.

      Report Post » drhunt  
    • commentkazi
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:03am

      I‘m surprised we haven’t seen resignations “out of protest” yet. How many senior leaders are willing to fall on their sword for this guy?

      Report Post » commentkazi  
    • Ampleforth
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:08am

      Maybe Gates hangs on because he’s the only person standing between the socialists and the Defense Department.

      Report Post »  
    • drhunt
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:17am

      ‘Kazi-good question. I really don’t think that the withdrawals of Evan Bayh and David Obey from their seats in the Senate and House were random departures, to “spend more time with the family”. They were NOT willing to fall on The Incompetent One’s sword any more than they already had. The rats were fleeing the sinking ship early on…and as BO’s poll ratings continue to plummet, we shall see more of this. The possible nomination of Jamie Gorelick as head of the FBI only indicates to this reader that Darryl Issa’s subpoenas are striking very close to the heart of the problem, a ***** in the Progressive’s armour, and the administration is attempting to elevate a former fannie exec to further thwart Issa’s inquiries, thus delaying possible impeachment proceedings.

      Report Post » drhunt  
    • royalstar
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 4:32pm

      Gates is just another politician or he wouldn’t be in this job. Obama is a willing puppett. That is why he is a walking contradiction. He is not calling the shots. He just passes the orders on as he gets them. That is why he has a lack of passion. They are not his ideas although he generally supports any communist agenda. Gates is right there with him. As farrakhan stated, Obama was chosen before he was chosen and elected before he was elected. The same for Gates and the rest of the Communists in power. We were sold out a long time ago.

      Report Post »  
  • REDwhiteBLUEcommrade
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:07am

    If our purpose, once again is to protect civillians, then why the hell didn’t we intervene in Iran, or Sierra Leone, North Korea…..you get my drift.

    Secondly, I have a feeling these jets are clearing the way for some ground pounders. When Al-Queida …I mean the Libya Coalition can‘t get the job done NATO or the US will have to go in anyways and finish the job because you’ve just swatted at the beer flying around your head and he’s pissed off!

    Report Post » REDwhiteBLUEcommrade  
  • burnteye86
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:05am

    When Democrats say “vital interest” they really mean “ Democrat interest”. It’s just political doublespeak.

    Report Post » burnteye86  
  • chirodoc007
    Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:04am

    Then what the hell are we doing there?

    Are we simply letting the other Middle Eastern dictators know that they better get the hell out of the way of the Muslim Brotherhood? Do we think that we are going to install little bastions of European democracies in their place? It has to one or the other, doesn’t it?

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:09am

      So to Gates there is no vital interests for the US there; and yet the region where Libya is one of the major areas there IS a major strategic interest…I have to agree with you, this is a contradiction of terms and to myself, it shows the administration is in over it’s head and has no clue how to make this half baked operation come to an end.

      Obama has sacrificed the prestige and credibility of America in national and international matters for the sake of expediency and letting the European powers go ahead; his hatered for this land becomes more and more intolerable with each passing day, and I have to wonder when enough will stand up to him and impeach his tail out of office.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • icareabouttheusa
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:13am

      And who needs oil? Isn’t there anyone in this admin who loves our country??? Anyone??? Nope, didn’t think so…

      Report Post »  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:21am

      At the time Gates was first asked about a possible U.S. intervention into Libya, he seemed to be against the idea.

      Any high-ranking Cabinet member who strongly believes a policy is harmful to our country, should resign immediately.

      I think Gates is one of the more honorable people in the Administration. I hope he votes with his feet. I do believe he’s previously mentioned retirement.

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • commonsenseguy
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:24am

      @icareabouttheusa,we don’t get any oil ,maybe 1% if that much from libya,europe,gets 99.99% of libyas oil,so no we don’t have a interest over there.

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:25am

      It must be hell working for a Dufus like Barry Soetoro. Imagine having to repeatedly refer to all his contrary statements . This moron is so far over his head that even his hired minions, have to avert their eyes, stumblebum thru their statements, to make any sense of his conflicting views.. Just once I would like to see (Take Gates for example), a spokesman or woman, step to the mike and say ” I Have No Idea What This Idiot Obama Stands For. I resign forthwith, but have forwarded on to all news outlets all the shady deals that have been dumped on the American Taxpayer.”

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • 912828Buckeye
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:26am

      Lets take over Libya and send all non-assimilating Muslims from Europe
      and the U.S. there so they can have their own country.

      I know that’s rather hateful for a Sunday morning, I’m just getting really
      fed up with it all.

      Report Post » 912828Buckeye  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:36am

      @commonsenseguy

      While we don’t get oil directly from Libya they do (did) produce 1% – 2% of the global supply. If the “global” supply is reduced it affects the spot price for all consumer nations. The Saudis say they will make up for any shortfall but who know????

      Of course we could help ourselves in that department if we didn’t grant the drilling permits to Brazil!!

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:36am

      Why would he tell it straight? After all he is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the American globalist group. The number of people in this administration ( Gates, Summers, Clinton, Obama, Geitner, and many many more.) is astounding. But like any “truth” about the “ evil” and objectives of this administration, we will hear it from Glenn or not at all.

      Glenn, point of interest. The CFR was started by a Rockifeller and a Rothschilde. The Rothschilde was the great- great grandson of the patriarch of the “ bankers to the Vatican ” Rothschilde.
      Sometimes I wonder just how much of the truth you’ll tell Glenn? No matter, biblically speaking the truth gets told just before the tribulation starts, and all signs indicate this could be any day no, just thought it might be you. Half measures avail you nothing.

      Report Post »  
    • Beckofile
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:50am

      And what exactly is our interest in Afganistan? Sand and the modern mud hut. GET OUT OF ALL THE MILITARY ACTIONS THIS MONTH!

      Report Post » Beckofile  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 9:59am

      The potus , bho. is trying to emulate Bush in making Libya a Democrat country like Iraqi.

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • psst
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:03am

      @Betterdays
      The CFR took on a number of people as members to quell the notion they are part of the NWO/OWG Cabal. Many of these folks are just for show/smokescreen. W /in the CFR, there is a smaller group that many of the for show members are not privvy to.. This is where the real secret members meet.
      The CFR/Trilaterists/Bilderbergers are all part of the NWO Cabal.
      The Rothschilds have been part of this Cabal from the start.Big Jewish banking mambers are also involved.
      This NWO /OWG planning started centuries ago. Things are moving very fast now.
      IMO, Soros is just a bit player in the NWO/OWG movement There are much bigger powers behind him. Actually, Beck finally dragged him kicking and screaming from the shadows into the light of day.
      But! The vast majority of Americans thinks folks like you and I are just some right-wign conspiracy nutjobs

      Report Post »  
    • fertlmind
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:17am

      Vital enough for Obamma to fire hundreds of cruise missles
      Vital enough to lose of an F-15 and forde the rescue of a crew from enemy territory
      Vital enough for Obamma to take time out from his busy recreation schedule to make a speach
      Vital enough for us to support to the Al Quaida rebels in Libya who will take over the country soon
      Vital enough to put EVERYTHING ELSE on the back burner including our economy

      Report Post » fertlmind  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:25am

      @ PSST:
      Quite frankly I don’t care what othe people think, I‘ve had enough and it’s time for GOD light to shine on the “ real power ” behind all the other powers. For the last decade I’ve been doing my own homework and I know who “ she ” is, that is to say the power behind powers. But she is as secretive as she is out in the open for anyone to see. Getting the written proof of her crimes has proved a frustrating endeavor, yet I have every confidence that in the end everyone will get to see her for what she is, the very image of lucifer. For it is that same Lucifer who ave her his seat, his power, and his great authority.
      On the CFR, up until just about a year ago, the CFR clearly stated it’s ” globalistic, one world governance agenda” on it’s main web page, now it‘s been moved to it’s own page aptly titled “ world governance”. It would be neive to believe everyone involved with the CFR is espoused to it’s core purpose knowingly, but not knowing the “law” does not preclude one from suffering the effects of the “ law”. One can asertain with a degree of certainty, that those CFR members within positions of authority and governmental or Fianacial power are fully involved with the “ true motive” of the CFR as well as the Club of ROME, The bildibergs, and the TRI- Laterials, for these there will be only one end, utter failure and an eternity in the outer darkness.

      Report Post »  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:38am

      13TH IMAM, oh I would live for that day too!

      Report Post »  
    • TXPilot
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 10:53am

      Muslims killing Muslims….Id say thats a good thing. We should not be involved, we should immediately pull our military out and let the dogs eat each other. The fact we are providing air support for Al Queda is shameful.

      Report Post » TXPilot  
    • CultureWarriors
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 11:11am

      Stating the obvious has become news? The only debate is whether we should or should not be a police force. The ONLY time the left thinks we should is when we have a Democrat in the White House. They are such hypocrites and they wonder why no one with any intelligence takes them seriously. This Administration is absolutely pathetic. So now we are arming and supporting the group that is fighting us elsewhere. It’s moronic at best and treasonous at worst. It’s kind of like selling arms to Mexican drug dealers so they can kill our brave agents fighting the drug war. Congress are you too afraid to impeach this imbecile because he’s the first black President? Well look at it this way, he’s half white too. I’ve got news for you, color has nothing to do with it. He’s just plain incompetent. If he were green or purple it still wouldn’t matter. He clearly isn’t capable of doing the job.

      Report Post » CultureWarriors  
    • Evileye
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 11:28am

      Buckeye I agree
      But they don’t want there country they want ours

      Report Post »  
    • bloodaxe
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 12:08pm

      Nobody knows.
      Not only is Libya of no vital interest to us it is of no interest at all.

      Report Post »  
    • restorehope
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 12:39pm

      If Libya is not of vital interest to us, then why the heck are we spending millions of dollars throwing missiles at them? We could desperately use that money here at home. Does anyone in this administration ever think before they speak?

      Report Post »  
    • avenger
      Posted on March 27, 2011 at 4:55pm

      so stop any support !

      Report Post »  
    • Jackers
      Posted on March 28, 2011 at 9:01am

      This whole Libyan operation has been a complete mess since Day One! First, Gadhafi must go. Then “our goal is not to make Gadhafi go.” Then it’ll be done in a matter of days, then weeks, now possibly months…

      Obama dithered for weeks, then bombed Libya without consulting the US Congress. He took the time to consult the Arab League and the United Nations, but not our Congress? Then Obama dashes off to his Latin American vacation – wouldn’t want to keep Ms. Michelle waiting – without even addressing the American people… Having fun in the sun while our blood and treasure pours into Libya.

      First it’s a humanitarian cause… Then it’s a cause of national security… Now we’re back to the humanitarian cause… Which is it?

      Clearly, Obama didn‘t want to make an address from the Oval Office as he didn’t want to be “linked” to his own actions… Now, due to so much confusion and concern, Obama’s forced to “finally” make his address this evening, nine days after the fact…

      Meanwhile, Robert Gates says this Libyan conflict was not a threat to our national security… Therefore, once again, Obama did exactly the opposite of what he campaigned on… He started a military operation in Libya without the consent of our Congress and without any risk to our nation. An impeachable offense?

      I’ve never witnessed so much bumbling confusion… We’re all over the map with this one and still have no clue as to our actual mission and goals…

      President Obama has been an abject failure across the board – both nationally and internationally – and 2012 cannot come soon enough.

      Report Post » Jackers  
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