Government

U.N. Ambassador Admits: We Have ‘Not Ruled Out’ Military Support for Rebels

During an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” today, U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice made a startling admission: the U.S. has “not ruled out” military support for the rebels in Libya:

U.N. Ambassador Admits: We Have Not Ruled Out Military Support for Rebels

That’s surprising for a couple reasons. First, during his Monday-night speech President Obama was adamant that the United States would not engage in regime change by force. Might military support of the rebels be regime change by force? And if that’s true, why has military support for the rebels not been ruled out?

Second, as we pointed out on the blog last week, the rules of engagement in Libya have been not to help the rebels. As Josh Rogin pointed out then:

“Many in the opposition truly are civilians…trying to protect their civilian business, lives, and families,” said [U.S. operations commander Gen. Carter] Ham. “There are also those in the opposition that have armored vehicles and heavy weapons. Those parts of the opposition are no longer covered under that ‘protect civilians’ clause” of the U.N. Security Council resolution that authorized military intervention.

“It’s a very problematic situation,” Ham admitted. “Sometimes these are situations that brief better at the headquarters than in the cockpit of an aircraft.”

So how are pilots in the air supposed to tell the difference? If the opposition groups seem to be organized and fighting, the airplanes imposing the no-fly zone are instructed not to help them.

“Where they see a clear situation where civilians are threatened, they have… intervened,” said Ham. “When it‘s unclear that it’s civilians that are being attacked, the air crews are instructed to be very cautious.”

“We have no authority and no mission to support the opposition forces in what they might do,” he added.

It’s all so clear, isn’t it?

Comments (57)

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  • d4jmf
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 7:17pm

    impeach him INDEED!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » d4jmf  
  • psadie
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 6:47pm

    Once again, this administration is loaded with idiots. The average Joe on the street senses that there are enemy combatants alongside these “rebels.” They run from country to country stirring up the populace waiting to take over at the opportune time. If these “rebels” are furnished with arms and next week they target our warriors and shout “Death to America” there will be incredible hell to pay. GET OUT OF THE MIDDLE EAST NOW. FORTIFY OUR HOMELAND AND START DRILLING. Impeach Obama.

    Report Post »  
  • geonj
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 5:54pm

    as i mentioned in another post, the UN will use the insurgents in libya as “boots on the ground”

    Report Post » geonj  
  • nelan72
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 5:51pm

    Send them the military shrinks.

    Report Post »  
  • bailey08
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 2:41pm

    First Obama supplies the drug cartel in Mexico with thousands of guns so the gov’t can “track” them.
    Now he wants to help AlQaeda capture their very own oil-rich country.
    I think Obama knows exactly what he’s doing, but what is France and the UK thinking?

    BO implied that we can’t stop all massacres
    but the ones that happen in oil-rich countries are more important.

    Report Post »  
  • paulsfam4
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 1:49pm

    Impeach Obama he violated the war powers act”’ The War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action and forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days, with a further 30 day withdrawal period, without an authorization of the use of military force or a declaration of war. The resolution was passed by two-thirds of Congress

    Report Post »  
  • suzy000
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 1:32pm

    Only Obama would be so bold as to arm Al-Queda. Unbelievable!

    Report Post »  
    • Nepenthe
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 2:02pm

      Well, we had no problem arming and training them when they were fighting the Soviets. We had no problem supporting Saddam when he was fighting the Iranians. America has many, many decades of history arming terrorists who, for the moment, were working for our own interests. The obvious, limited government solution would be to stop giving arms to anyone and everyone.

      Report Post » Nepenthe  
  • Bill Wallace
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 12:31pm

    Any surprises here?

    Blind, mislead, lie. Sums up Obama pretty accurately.

    Report Post »  
  • warrior21
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 12:03pm

    GhostOfJefferson
    I agree. As far as I can see Libya is a sovereign nation. The United Nations currently only requires that a sovereign state have an effective and independent government within a defined territory. I think Libya meets these standards. Therefore, we are invading Libya and aiding a rebel force attempting to over throw the sovereign government. Granted Gaddafi is a dictator, and that he suppresses his people, but, it is not our job police the world.
    Perhaps, if we knew anything at all about the rebels I might feel different. As of now the only thing we know for sure is that they are led by a former Al Qaeda officer and recruiter. Does that means anything? Also, there are many former Al Qaeda fighters in its ranks. I find that odd! I think that we should stick with the “devil we know”. I am also concerned that we are bankrolling a war to keep Europe in oil. The fact that Italy, England and France are some of Libya’s best customers surely has caused them to put more effort into this war than they put into helping us in Afghanistan. We just never learn!
    I am still confused as to how a pilot flying his aircraft at speeds in excess of 500 mph can determine who is the enemy, and who are the civilians on the ground. I have had some experience with close in air support in Vietnam. On the ground, we would pass our location and desired target information (azimuth and distance to the target) to a Forward Air Controller (FAC). The FAC in turn, guided Fast Movers (Jets) to the target by marking the target to show its location.
    What Obama and company (Gates and his people) are telling us that the pilots can do it all by themselves? I say “bull shxt”! This is tricky business and requires support on the ground to effectively place the ordnance. Either they have someone selecting the targets, or they risk killing, both the civilians and Gadaffi troops. Do they have someone on the ground? I don’t think so, as the British SAS found out; to their great dismay, infiltrating white men into the Middle East is difficult. Maybe the French Foreign Legion could put some Middle East soldier in, but I doubt they would do it.
    That means it is left with to the pilots to make the decision: are the targets military or civilians? If the pilot determines Qaddafi forces seem to be preparing to attack civilians, they can attack; but if they seem to be backing away, they won’t be targeted. Question: what if the rebel forces seem to be preparing to attack civilians, will they be attacked? All we are doing is digging ourselves into a nasty little war. One, in which we will win, but will cost a lot of life’s and money.

    Report Post » warrior21  
  • Liberalismsamentaldisorder
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 11:59am

    really people, is this any surprise at all? bho is a liar of the highest order. sadly most of our politicians strive to lie as well as he does.

    Report Post »  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 11:12am

    there si it. obama put America into the UN’s hands under the pretense he is helping “protect” the Libyans… . he also made the statement that ” palestinians suffer more than anyone..”…

    === he is lining AMERICA up to be the superpower who annihilates ISRAEL.

    why can’t we stop the mad soros-backed puppet?!

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • cntrlfrk
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 10:55am

    This is going to be a bigger mess.

    NATO is backing out now that we are considering arming the rebels because the rebels are a bunch of AL QAEDA!!

    WTF?

    Report Post » cntrlfrk  
  • Nepenthe
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:51am

    “the U.S. has “not ruled out” military support for the rebels in Libya…”

    Uhhhhhhhhh didn’t US military warships already fire US military missles at Lybian military targets? Sounds like “military support” has already been provided.

    Report Post » Nepenthe  
  • MikeinIdaho
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:34am

    Hmm, looks like the Cloward and Piven inspired Obam/Soros plan of spreading chaos thru the Middle East and into Europe and the US may have had a “hiccup”, huh? So I guess they want to “nudge” things along a little. Congress better grow a pair…and quick!

    Report Post » MikeinIdaho  
  • inexiletill2012
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:25am

    I say….Arm them all ! give the rebels all the arms thay can handle. Then in 18 months we will send in troops to stop the attacks on Qaddafi’s troops as a humanitarian effort

    We should NOT even be there. ! Its NOT in our National Interest !

    Report Post » inexiletill2012  
  • Slayer
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:13am

    I’m watching Al Jazeera now who is covering the UN conference on Libya live. The English representative is talking about how WE‘RE going to rebuild Libya’s infrastructure, hospitals, and MOSQUES. And sure enough, the camera pans over and there‘s Hillary nodding with this ’oh so serious’ look on her face. Someone at the Blaze needs to get the video of this.
    Our own economy is in shambles. What in the name of God Almighty are we going to be rebuilding Libya’s mosques for?

    Report Post » Slayer  
    • psadie
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 6:55pm

      Soros is pushing fast and hard. The socialists have to speed up their plan. They see that Obama may be gone in 2012, then what? I think that Congress has their hands tied due to the majority. I called Senator Pat Toomey and gave his secretary hell. I was on the phone with her for 15 minutes and she told me to call back anytime and to tell my friends to do the same. I believe that they are working on things but I don’t know how far it will go due to the Democrat Senate majority. Hurry 2012.

      Report Post »  
  • hauschild
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:10am

    Doesn’t Obama grow tired of supporting dirt bags? In country, it’s unions, thugs and slugs and abroad, it is a people that are, and have always been corrupt. The more his types are “helped”, the worse they become and the larger the burden they force productive people to shoulder.

    Its Keystone Cops, if it’s anything at all.

    Report Post »  
    • JP4JOY
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 10:04am

      He’s from Chicago, dirtbags are a step up for him.

      Report Post » JP4JOY  
  • vtech61
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:06am

    I wrote my senator the other day about this.
    A republican I helped put back in office.

    Not a peep from his office.
    Cowards.

    But I do understand one thing.
    Last time impeachment was for another dem. CIC.
    IF the republicans do it twice in a row, it will not look good and I’m sure
    the left would be rioting in the streets.

    Report Post »  
  • ares338
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:06am

    If we supply them with weapons, they will eventually use them on us.

    Report Post » ares338  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:35am

      Nawwww, that could never happen, wait… it already has.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:05am

    AND so it goes.

    Report Post »  
  • matt708
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 8:58am

    our gutless congress has to begin to stanf up to this situation, NOW

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 8:57am

    So, U.N. blue helmets fighting side by side with Al Qaeda. What a wonderful world our POTUS has created.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • hempstead1944
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 8:40am

    For all the verbal outrage being expressed by our elected officials, doesn’t seem they are really interested in actually DOING anything about it….

    Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:01am

      Their “outrage” is for our consumption. When politicians bluster like they’re on your side, but do nothing to change the circumstances, then they’re not on your side and are feeding you a line in order to appease you and calm you down.

      Unilateral dictatorial powers for the office of President has been being built up for almost a century, if Congress had disagreed with that move they could have stopped it long before the 20th century.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:04am

      21st century I mean to say, sorry.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
  • beebacksoon
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 8:39am

    Has this administration discovered WHO the rebels are? I doubt it. For some reason, this administration doesn’t feel the need to know, OR they know the citizen’s protesting, have been infiltrated by Muslim Brotherhood, Taliban, or other radical entities, along with weapons, and funding.
    I can’t help but think that as the “rebels” get closer to Tripoli, Gaddafi will have the 2 tons of mustard gas waiting for them.

    Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:03am

      The foreign papers have, half these “rebels” are the same guys we were fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. When the rebels get to Tripoli, will our planes then switch sides and protect the innocent population there? It’s a half baked mess. If we don’t want Gadaffi in power, drop a few daisey cutters on his compound and go home. If Obama had been in power in 1945, Hitler would never have shot himself.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Obama Bin Lying
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:10am

      Quick,…..someone ask OweBama what the exit stratagy is

      Report Post » Obama Bin Lying  
    • JP4JOY
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 10:16am

      Has anyone else noticed we don’t interfere in the places where the Iranian influence is strong? He made noise in Egypt but saw Mubarak was weak so no interference, Syria strong ties to Iran, Bahrain Strong influence from Iran, Jordan has links to Iran, not only is the Muslim Brotherhood everywhere in the region, our POTUS in his 2008 campaign said he would stand with the muslim nations! The whole Executive Branch wants to annihilate Israel. Just wait, Pakistan will align itself with Iran SOON. They have the NUKES that Iran wants so they can attack Israel. There won’t be saber rattling, it will just happen.

      Pray for Israel, get our troops out NOW!!!

      Report Post » JP4JOY  
    • avenger
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 7:47pm

      just promoting the new caliphate…. http://thereligionofpeace.com

      Report Post »  
  • smithclar3nc3
    Posted on March 29, 2011 at 8:34am

    The U.N. Ambassador can send in military ground support for the Rebels just as long as they’re not American military. Congress didn‘t approve it and most likely won’t approve it.

    Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 8:43am

      Last I checked, only Congress has the right to *declare war*. This “approve military action” crap is just that, crap introduced by the rather constitutionally questionable war powers act.

      We need to start returning to our roots, and stop interfering with other nations, even bad nations, unless they attack us. Entangling alliances with none, free trade with all, the way the Founders envisioned it. The days of *any* president, R or D or Otherwise, being able to send out troops at his whim must end. We are not supposed to be a top down command and control nation, we need to neuter the office of President and relegate it solely to the powers enumerated to it by the Constitution. This may not be a popular thing to say, but damnit, we’ve been dragged into enough Progressive faux-wars by Presidents for long enough, it’s time to stop and remove their power to do this.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 8:48am

      Time after time, this president has supported those hostile to America, and left our friends out to dry. We will be arming Al-Q, the ****** brotherhood, et al.

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • ISeeDanger.com
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 8:49am

      Did they say Rebels or Unions?
      I’m getting those confused right now.

      http://www.ISeeDanger.com

      Report Post » ISeeDanger.com  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 8:58am

      ISeeDanger.com, it‘s hard to tell the difference when they’re both causing mayhem.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • marhee9
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:03am

      For a president who keep saying “let me be clear,” he’s anything but clear. His speech last night has been contradicted several times in less that 12 hours. This morning NATO said they won’t be taking over on Wednesday as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeRl7wQ5SnQ is a great Youtube video showing the mixed messages this guy sends.

      Report Post »  
    • Obama Bin Lying
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:09am

      Can you say Ground war? This coming from our leader who was the same guy who was to get us out of wars, and unite the people…..

      Is it 2012 yet?

      Report Post » Obama Bin Lying  
    • Beckofile
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:19am

      Confusion must be the means to the end. I am not sure if I have ever seen things work this way in the US government. Can anyone say LIMITED GOVERNMENT. The one thing I know is this could not be Condoleza’s sister?

      Report Post » Beckofile  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:30am

      Hey MARHEE9,
      Obama through out his carrer has alaway been a yes,no,maybe politicain. He‘s gives all three answers on every question so he’s never wrong.

      Report Post »  
    • P C BE DAMNED
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 9:47am

      Yea, lets go there and support our to the death enemies. Were the damn fools. Actually our damn pRESIDENT.

      Report Post » P C BE DAMNED  
    • HillBillySam1
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 10:06am

      According to some Constitutional “scholars”, since the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1973 for the “Humanitarian Aid” of the Libyian “civilians”, a Declaration of War by the United States Congress IS NOT REQUIRED for the purposes of supporting the “civilian” populations of Libya. It doesn’t matter that “some” of the “civilians” have tanks and other heavy equipment. All of this is due to the FDR Administration way back at the formation of the United Nations…….since every “civilized” country had a vote in the U.N., each country was not required to get individual authorization from it’s own nation for UN “humanitarian” efforts……even if those efforts required the use of force by the member nations on the Security Council……in essence, there is nothing to prevent the sale or “humanitarian supply” of arms and equipment to the “civilians” in Libya…….who needs a Constitution when you have the United Nations anyhow……right?????

      Report Post »  
    • gramma b
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 10:08am

      If we send arms to these fundamentalist “rebels,” you can bet that some of them will end up being used against us, or Israel.

      Report Post »  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 10:20am

      The Obama Administration is setting our troops up. When we finally try this traitor, Obama, for treason, and his Administration, I will NOT treat our troops like his 60s radical friends did after Vietnam.

      Our troops are honorable, but they have been hijacked by Marxists.

      Report Post »  
    • tobywil2
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 10:36am

      Does the United States have a vested interest in which tyrant wins? If so, why is one tyrant better than the other? If we don’t have a vested interest in installing one of the tyrants, why are we there? http://commonsense21c.com/

      Report Post » tobywil2  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 11:15am

      Hillbilly,
      The U.N. can pass whatever it wants it has no affect on America. We are supposedly a nation of the people by the people and for the people so unless the people agree America doesn’t do anything.
      That say once committed we must follow through with it. So if we commit to ending ghadaffi? reign
      we’re there til he out.

      Report Post »  
    • jeff1158
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 4:59pm

      Leave. Let them sort it out. Tell them if they mess with us, we will turn their desert into a sheet of glass.

      Report Post »  
    • avenger
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 7:31pm

      yep…they need to help build the caliphate….http://thereligionofpeace.com

      Report Post »  
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