World

U.S. Forces On Ground in Libya as CIA Teams Deploy

WASHINGTON (AP) — The CIA has sent small teams of operatives into Libya and helped rescue a crew member of a U.S. fighter jet that crashed, and the White House said Wednesday it was assessing “all types of assistance” for rebels battling Moammar Gadhafi’s troops.

Battlefield setbacks are hardening the U.S. view that the poorly equipped opposition probably is incapable of prevailing without decisive Western intervention, a senior U.S. intelligence official told The Associated Press.

Lawmakers, in private briefings with top Obama administration officials, asked tough questions about the cost of the military operation and expressed concern about the makeup of the rebels.

Members of Congress quoted officials as saying the U.S. military role would be limited, and heard President Barack Obama’s director of national intelligence compare the rebel forces to a “pick-up basketball team.”

“No decision has been made about providing arms to the opposition or to any groups in Libya,” said White House press secretary Jay Carney. “We’re not ruling it out or ruling it in.”

The CIA’s precise role in Libya is not clear. Intelligence experts said the CIA would have sent officials to make contact with the opposition and assess the strength and needs of the rebel forces in the event Obama decided to arm them.

An American official and a former U.S. intelligence officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information, told the AP about the CIA’s involvement in Libya after the agency was forced to close its station in Tripoli, the capital.

They said CIA helped safely recover the F-15E Strike Eagle’s weapons specialist, who was first picked up by rebels after the crash March 21. The pilot was rescued by Marines.

They suffered only minor injuries, the military has said. Officials have declined to say what mission the F-15 was on at the time it went down. The crew ejected after the aircraft malfunctioned during a mission against a Libyan missile site.

The former intelligence officer said some CIA officers had been staging from the agency’s station in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

The New York Times first reported the CIA had sent in groups of CIA operatives and that British operatives were directing airstrikes.

Obama said in a national address Monday night that U.S. troops would not be used on the ground in Libya. The statement allowed for wiggle room as the president explores options in case he decides to use covert action to ship arms to the rebels and train them. That would require a presidential finding.

In that event, the CIA would take the lead, as it has done in the past such as in Afghanistan after the Sept. 11 attacks and the run-up to the Iraq invasion in 2003. In those covert action programs, CIA officers along with special operation forces were sent in, providing arms to opposition forces to help fight the Taliban in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein in Iraq.

Gadhafi’s land forces outmatch the opposition by a wide margin and are capable of threatening the civilian resistance, said the senior U.S. intelligence official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Obama’s director of national intelligence compared the rebel forces to a “pick-up basketball team.”

Lawmakers met with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, Adm. Mike Mullen, and intelligence head James Clapper

“They’re absolutely committed to keeping the U.S. role limited,” said Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore. “Nobody is making guarantees we’ll be out in two weeks.”

The top NATO commander, U.S. Navy Adm. James Stavridis, has said he’s seen “flickers” of al-Qaida and Hezbollah among the rebels, but no evidence of significant numbers within the political opposition group’s leadership.

During the meeting, Clapper, compared the rebel forces to a “pick-up basketball team.” He indicated that intelligence has identified a few questionable individuals within the rebel ranks but no significant presence, according to lawmakers.

Lawmakers expressed frustration because administration officials couldn’t say when the U.S. operation might end.

Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said Clinton and Gates did not provide much information about the future in Libya.

“Do we arm the rebels? What happens if Gadhafi holds on? What is our next move?” said Smith.

Smith said arming the rebels may make sense, but added, “I think we have to figure out who exactly we would be arming. There are a lot of different rebel groups. I think we need greater intelligence on who is on the ground.”

Said Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas: “The administration answered as well as they could, given the ambiguity of the situation.”

The Pentagon put the cost of the Libyan operation so far at $550 million. Blumenauer said officials estimated the cost could be $40 million a month depending on the length of the operation for the U.S. “It could be higher,” he said.

Lawmakers, especially Republicans, are smarting from what they consider a lack of consultation from the administration and Obama’s decision not to seek congressional authorization for the use of force.

The briefings – the Senate had a separate session later Wednesday – came 12 days after the no-fly zone began. Obama did speak to congressional leaders the day before the military action began.

“I understand how evil Gadhafi is. I don’t understand the unwillingness to come to Congress first,” said Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore.

Republicans, however, don’t speak with one voice on the issue.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Obama’s 2008 presidential rival, said the president couldn’t wait for Congress to take even a few days to debate the use of force “there would have been nothing left to save in Benghazi,” the rebels’ de-facto capital.

Stavridis told the House Armed Services Committee that “the strike part of this and the aviation combat air patrol will be filled largely by the allies” and the U.S. will focus on things such as “intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, refueling … combat search and rescue.”

Still, committee members had reservations.

“It is a mission that I’m concerned as to whether or not its goals are clear. And also I‘m a little concerned and believe it’s unclear as to who we are supporting in this conflict,” said Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio.

Said freshman Rep. Chris Gibson, R-N.Y., who did four Army combat tours in Iraq: “I think we have so much on the plate right now that we need to do to bring to closure with regard to Iraq and Afghanistan.”

An Associated Press-GfK poll found the country split on U.S. involvement in military actions in Libya, with 48 percent approving and 50 percent disapproving.

About three-quarters say it’s somewhat likely that U.S. forces will be involved in Libya for the long term. Fifty-five percent say they would favor the United States increasing its military action to remove Gadhafi from power, although only 13 percent favor U.S. ground troops, a step Obama has said he would not take.

The poll was conducted in the days leading up to the president’s speech.

Comments (128)

1 2 3 4
  • Jaycen
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 3:23am

    …arming our sworn enemies…

    Report Post » Jaycen  
  • Alan
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 3:16am

    Last time the Democrats got us into a situation like this was . . . er . . . ? NAM!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Cadcamtrainer
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 3:11am

    Why not drop a nuke on the damn place and then start all over with the place. Since it is supposed to be about the oil, why not just go and take it ? If we are paying for the war and fight for it, then we should take the oil as repayment shouldn’t we ?

    Report Post »  
  • Cadcamtrainer
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 3:09am

    Why not drop a nuke on the damn place and then start all over with the place.since it is supposed to be about the oil, why not just go and take it ? If we are paying for the war and fight got it, then we should take the oil as repayment shouldn’t we ?

    Report Post »  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:59am

    i dont understand how anyone is surprised at this, but what surprises me in the first place, is the administration even thinking the rebels would have a chance against quacky quaddafy

    think about it

    a rag tag bunch or poorly armed men with no weapons training wasting all their ammo while driving around in a bunch of toyota pickup trucks against a trained and supplied military force

    what the hell did you think was going to happen?

    i willmake $500 bucks betting my buddy boots on the ground by the end of the month, and with a few phone calls, i will win that bet ( both with service records and connections )

    when i let you know i won, probably tomorrow i will let you know

    just “ let me be clear” to be fair, we do not consider a rescue of downed pilots to be boots on ground. that determination will be made if military action that does not entail rescue of downed pilots, or delivery of aid ( in the form of food and medical aide only)

    i have a feeling, the terms of our wager have already been met …………….will let you know

    Report Post » Psychosis  
    • Rickfromillinois
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 6:21am

      Yesterday the rebels were in retreat. How likely is it that after getting involved in this mess and all of his talk of being justified because of humanitarian reasons, that the President will just sit idly by and let the rebels be wiped out? There is only so much that can be done with air power then some ground forces have to be brought in. There is a good possibility that we are going to get sucked in to another military conflict in because if we don’t it will make the President look bad.

      Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • robx
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:59am

    In Obama’s speech he said “Regime change took 8 years in Iraq”. No it only took 30 days or so before Saddam was out of power. The rest of the time was spent filling the power vacuum. Once Gadhafi is gone there will be a huge power vacuum. Who is going to fill it? With all of that oil don’t you imagine there are going to be a few competing forces wanting to control all of that oil money? I suspect there will be a huge civil war. Look how many troops it took to control Iraq and those opposing forces were well defined Sunni, Shia etc. These are going to be more like Afghanistan warlord types and they will slaughter each other for control. Do you think for a minute we wont have troops there? What was it Powell said? You broke it, you own it……

    Report Post » robx  
  • ru12
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:45am

    After seeing the great result we americans have had in other middle eastern countries, I am of the opinion that they can best take care of their own problems. And if they are unable to do it without using brutal force over their own people, then so be it! I’d rather pay $10 a gallon for gas and drive less, than spend another American’s life or dime in that God forsaken cesspool. Bring our “boys” home and send no money to our enemies. Invest in our own oil fields.

    Report Post »  
  • rightwinglefty
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:39am

    It is all over ABC news that Obama signed a presidential finding to take covert action against the Lybian government. That means special forces on the ground as advisers and also running operations against the Lybian government. Time to wake up.

    Report Post » rightwinglefty  
  • the hawk
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:35am

    Hey now theres no boots theres sandels……………………..

    Report Post »  
  • rightwinglefty
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:34am

    All the old timers talk about how Nixon lied to us on TV and then there is always G.W. Bush with “Read my lips, no new taxes!” The left destroyed these men. I don‘t know how to justify Obama’s lies. Did he have his fingers crossed? He did say;” No boots on the ground.” He probably ordered the SF guys to wear tennis shoes. We need to get out of this before we cannot.

    Report Post » rightwinglefty  
  • bkfirvine
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:27am

    I’m sorry that you have no life – my condolences go out to you.

    Report Post » bkfirvine  
  • CaptainSpaulding
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:27am

    Just like in Nam.

    Iraq vs Iran.

    and so on….

    Report Post »  
    • Tigertame4
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 10:45am

      So true, Vietnam on steroids. Iraq and Afghanistan for years and years, now Libya and given the criteria given as to why we are there we could conceivably be in Syria and Yemen next. Just for “fun” I wandered over to the Code Pink website. Apparently, Bush is STILL president. I saw no mention of Obama just Bush.. I THOUGHT Bush has been out of office for a couple of years now. I guess not.

      Report Post »  
  • bkfirvine
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:26am

    They are not U.S. ground forces – they are Kinetic Military Action Floor-Level Participants.

    Report Post » bkfirvine  
  • Showtime
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:18am

    Have you been drinking?

    Report Post » Showtime  
  • Showtime
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:17am

    No, he doesn’t “fact check.” He rolls videos of the people saying it themselves — IN CONTEXT!

    Report Post » Showtime  
  • Arc
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:15am

    Don’t cha just love it when a Journalist gets a scoop on an operation that should be kept a little “closer to the vest” and states in the scoop that the “precise nature” of the CIA’s involvement in the operation is not known at this time. And then we get the “ two officials requested anonymnity” due to the sensitivity of the operation. If you are going to request to remain anonymous, why don’t you simply keep your mouth shut. The old addage “ Loose lips sink ships ” will never be obsolete and actually should be first and foremost on anyones mind that desires to see sucessful operations..
    Next you’ll be telling them ” due to the sensitivity of the operations that are ongoing in Baumfucht, Raizalilhell, Bendovahlilidiot and Ubyerkinaugh involving 7 CIA operatives in each city, all of which are wearing blue and gray hats, we wish to remain anonymous so as not to compromise the operation thats scheduled to begin at 0030 hrs April 1 2011 with launch point at gridcordinates ———–. Get the picture…..Wake the hell up, keep your mouth shut and save a few lives you egotistical, power hungry elected offricials.

    Report Post » Arc  
    • sdranger
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 9:28am

      There are two options here ARC.
      1. Trial balloon sent up by the Obama admin to see public and media reactions to the actual troops on the ground.

      2. Most of the time these are not elected officials that are leaking the data maybe just maybe they want the mission to fail.

      Take your pick.

      Report Post »  
  • walfredo
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:05am

    Another day,another knife in the back of the american people. because of the fact he was born in kenya, he could never understand how real americans feel. the majority of americans would rather have glenn as their prez.

    Report Post »  
  • BetterDays
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:04am

    Robo troll.

    Report Post »  
  • walfredo
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:01am

    because of the fact that i can enter my opinion on any subject over the internet i am important and can make a difference. duh

    Report Post »  
  • Dannowood
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 1:58am

    Another day,another knife in the back of the american people.

    Report Post » Dannowood  
    • David Pasztor
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 4:40am

      Your RIGHT ON DANNOWOOD, TURD’BAMA just LOVES to “STICK IT” to the american people. You know why? It’s because he is a muslim and he hates americans just like every other good little muslim. Just wait till they build their new “VICTORY MOUSQE” at ground zero in New York city, TURD’BAMA will be the first muslim to go there and pray to Allah!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • walfredo
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 1:54am

    i have a sticker on the back of my vehicle to let other people know that i support the troops as long as there is a republican as president.

    Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:24am

      Well, you support for the troops is not there for those who have to fight for your right to say that then, right?

      All I have to say is I‘m glad My Sacred Honor and 82dAirborne didn’t read what you said!

      I’m going to pray for you, Wasfredo.

      Report Post » Showtime  
  • flyoverbob
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 1:49am

    The liar in cheif is getting us into a war with no end.These people will send our sons to a war like this without a second thought.You saw the draft dodging Clinton do it,and now you will see the community organizer do it. I done my tour in Vietnam ,if you dropped these guys in a combat zone they would soil there pants.Pray for our boys and girls.

    Report Post »  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 1:43am

    So now Obama is actually using the military and intelligence resources of our country to destablize another country for the benefit of a third party …what is the word for that ?

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:12am

      If the third party is our enemy, which I believe it is, how about “TREASON?”

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:14am

      And the reason I believe the people he’s helping are our enemy? Because he’s helping them.

      Report Post » Showtime  
  • James83940
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 1:42am

    This is almost a more poorly ran operation than Bush in Iraq! What the hell are we really doing or not doing or not not doing in Libya Mr President? Get your act together, grow a spine, make a definitive decision, draft a game plan to help or not help, find out who we are dealing with – who the rebels really are aligned with – and execute the game plan and put an end to this debacle that is Obamas NOT-WAR war.

    Report Post »  
    • 1TrueOne55
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:27am

      He has a history of being spineless it started in Illinois in the state senate, he voted present for most of his political career, even in Congress in Washington the only bill that he really voted for was the no for the surge bill that he created.

      So as Commander in Chief his effectiveness is as good as Benedict Arnold was to George Washington at West Point during the revolution.

      Report Post » 1TrueOne55  
    • lel2007
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 7:46am

      His act together, had a spine, make a definitive decision, draft a game plan – Bush did these things.
      Bush wasn’t perfect by any means, but he has honor and loves his country.

      Report Post » lel2007  
  • JawaJam
    Posted on March 31, 2011 at 1:38am

    Anyone time how long it took for the no boots on the ground promise to be broken?

     
    • SouthrnBizOwner
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 1:44am

      Probably several hours or days before he opened his mouth. Sit rep normal. Mouth moves…..lies come out.

      Report Post » SouthrnBizOwner  
    • brickmoon
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 1:52am

      Depends on what your definition of “is” is.

      Report Post » brickmoon  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 1:54am

      actually, since before day one, or in military speak d-day minus 30. If history shows anything we can easily look back over past “ kinetic military” actions to asses the general timeframe. The only “action” that provides clarity in “known” facts Vietnam, would indicate that our dear CIA has had a major asset deployment in Lybia for at least a month, perhaps longer. If what Glenn has revealed over the last few weeks is true, then perhaps as long as six months.
      It is common place for the CIA to be “in country” long before “ boots” hit the ground. “Boots” in military speak refers to grunts and ground pounders, and it‘s to our regular military units I’m sure Obama was referring too, much as I’d like to catch him lying on this too! We do have a Marine expeditionary force on a LST off the Lybian coast, 2000 man and support, but I don‘t believe they’ve gone “ feet dry” yet.
      Obamas a pathetic lying SOB, so he’ll f this up too, give him a second.

      Report Post »  
    • Anti_Spock
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:05am

      OBAMA = LIAR. Talk about a fast 180. I guess Code Pink messed with his telepromter when he said the US wouldn’t send ground troops. Well what is the CIA? Air troops?

      Report Post » Anti_Spock  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:07am

      “Lawmakers met with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, Adm. Mike Mullen, and intelligence head James Clapper.”

      Jawajam, we had to get the pilots out of there. But as for “boots on the ground,” you didn’t really expect him to be telling the TRUTH, now did you?

      As for the part I quoted from the story, we can rest assured that we are in safe hands, now that lawmakers have met with …….Hillary Clinton and James Clapper!!!

      Hillary thinks that the government of Egypt is stable, and Clapper doesn’t even know what day it is!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:10am

      @CHEEZ ~
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 1:45am
      Only idiots believe Obama…WE know what he means . WE understand libberish . Next he will promise that he is against alqaeda :D
      ~~~~~~~~~~
      Remind me never to get into an argument with you. You would chew me up and spit me out — and then :D!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:27am

      @Showtime:
      “…and intelligence head James Clapper.”
      ______________________
      “Intelligence” and “James Clapper”…great example of an OXYMORON! !

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:34am

      CHEEZ!!!

      Go read the Hustler story!!!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:36am

      @AZ Debi ~
      ““Intelligence” and “James Clapper”…great example of an OXYMORON! !”

      ROFL! Good one!

      “James Clapper” and “intelligence” don’t even belong in the same sentence with each other!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 3:25am

      The undocumented President lied? No

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 3:26am

      I was raised to believe… if it walks like a Duck, and quacks like a Duck, it’s probably a Duck. What Obama is doing looks and feels like a WAR! Know what I mean? Kinetic Military Action my *ss!

      CNN Poll is Bogus!
      http://www.AmericasTeaPartyNews.com

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 5:00am

      BetterDays: “Boots” in military speak refers to grunts and ground pounders, and it‘s to our regular military units.”
      —–
      Ok, I get that. What I want to know is, Who does the “combat search and rescue?” The CIA?? The same CIA who “sent small teams of operatives into Libya and helped rescue a crew member of a U.S. fighter jet that crashed?” That CIA??

      Does Obama think we are stupid? This is a replay of liberal semantic obfuscation like Muslims are “common criminals” and jihad is an “inner struggle.”

      All of us here understand what the end game is. Obama talks out of both sides of his mouth, so that if something goes wrong, he is not responsible. He does all the dirty work covertly and/or allows others to do it for him, so that no matter what goes wrong, he was not involved.

      Mr. Present, Mr. Ambiguity, Mr. Fence Straddler, Mr. Hypocritical Liar, Traitor to the United States of America.

      Report Post »  
    • avenger
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 5:54am

      wow…owe bama is not wasting time to help the caliphate formation…

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 6:06am

      PatriotDave & AZDebi,
      If you listen to Glenn’s radio show, you know he has broached the subject of revolution many times. His view is that another revolution would destroy America. He truly believes God will show up, and I am not saying He won’t. I just believe those who took an oath to defend our Republic have a role to play.

      As to who starts a civil war, why would it be them? We are being transformed without a single gun shot. If there IS civil war, guess what, it’ll probably have to be the good guys who start it, since the bad guys are the ones in control.

      Here‘s what’s clear as day to me: the man will not be voted out of office. We should know by now, he doesn’t play by the rules.

      Report Post »  
    • Loki99
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 6:07am

      you must have eyes (boots) on the ground to paint target for lazar guided weapons.

      Report Post »  
    • Jackers
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 6:29am

      Yes… Barack Obama said not one boot would touch the ground, and we’d be out in a matter of days… Once again, Obama says one thing and does another…

      Report Post » Jackers  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 6:43am

      CIA rescue missions hardly constitute boots on the ground. These aren’t TROOPS sent in for active missions. Let’s not jump the gun on calling Obama a liar. It will come soon enough.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • kuhl
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 7:42am

      It was broken before it was spoken.

      Report Post »  
    • lovenfl3
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 8:01am

      No shock here. As soon as Obama “promised” no boots on the ground, we all knew that meant that there would be. There is a great video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGMl5TBfepc called Bush war bad, Obama war good. Pretty much says it all.

      Report Post » lovenfl3  
    • freedomrings77
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 8:09am

      Time for a new bumper sticker: “I support the al-Queda relief mission in Libya”.

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 8:26am

      Isles,
      If the CIA is engaged in war zone rescue missions, it’s Special Ops and that means boots on the ground, regardless of how they are dressed. (W)inning (t)he (F)uture is “active?” They have to use weapons if they are in hostile territory. You want to split hairs like Obama?

      BTW, isn’t the top NATO commander American? According to him, “the strike part of this… will be filled largely by the allies.” Define “largely,” sir; give us the NUMBERS. This info is devolving into the usual Obama shenanigans. Did you know that the media no longer reports the number of American casualties per month in the Af-Pak region? Thanks to the global sch-k, it’s been changed to “coalition casualties.”

      And how’s this for a stupid lie: estimated cost of this war = $40M a month.
      Afterthought: “It could be higher.”
      You bet.

      Report Post »  
    • drbage
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 8:41am

      Typical Obama speak, all the forces which we have on the ground now and in the very near future will be wearing newly designed wing tips so there will be no boots on the ground.

      Report Post »  
    • patriotgamer
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 9:31am

      Seems like I have heard this story before. Does anyone remember how long our other no-fly zone in the middle east that was imposed to protect a civilian population without deposing the dictator lasted, and how effective it was, and how it allowed the dictator to continue to rule with an iron grip, and how it turned a generation into rabid anti-Americans, and destroyed a country, and how it ended after the president that imposed it was ling gone?
      Or how the UN corruptocrats profited obscenely from the Oil-For-Food program? I imagine more than a few of them were rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of another “humanitarian” mission in an oil rich nation.

      Report Post » patriotgamer  
    • Ledger
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 9:58am

      Although I have tremendous respect for all of our soldiers and intelligence agents, it is hard for me to understand how people can choose to serve our country when our commander in chief seems to have little regard for their lives. Growing up in the Vietnam era, I learned that I could never trust a politician to do the right thing by our soldiers. I think both Bush presidents (and Clinton for the most part) were an exception. But in the end, you will get some egomaniac in office who will throw you into harms way with ridiculous and impossible rules of engagement, with very limited ammunition, and with no vital American interest at stake. We have to get over this whole being the world’s policemen thing. We can not fix the world.

      Report Post » Ledger  
    • bccrane
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 10:07am

      @Isles “It will come soon enough”

      What “boots on the ground” or “calling Obama a liar”?

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 10:58am

      If they were not there before this went on than it has to go right back to the top of the food chain. Obumbler is the top of the known food chain. Oh,, Nevermind

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • NEOBIO
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 11:05am

      It was properly in the making while he was giving is speech, the Wihte House Czar was handling It

      Report Post »  
    • OneNationIndivisable
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 11:15am

      Shucks if they covertly rub out Ghadafi, my vision of the gallows and him swinging from a rope will not be realized. I was hoping for a repeat of the Saddam Hussein hanging.

      Report Post » OneNationIndivisable  
    • Beckofile
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 12:47pm

      But NATO is in charge? North African Terrorism Organization supported and run by the USA. Nothing to see here?

      Report Post » Beckofile  
    • jimster
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 3:37pm

      When the last word came out of his mouth

      Report Post » jimster  
    • avenger
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 5:43pm

      wow..what a surprise..these guys were in country at least a month ago.reminds me of my viet nam second tour,we had a cia guy running our killer squad… macv-sog

      Report Post »  
    • MastrSSG
      Posted on March 31, 2011 at 8:54pm

      I know for a fact we have “boots” on the ground. You don’t just send missiles without lazing the target. Someone needs to be on the ground to do that and you need good Intel before start throwing 1.5 dollar bombs around. I’m willing to bet we’ve had CIA and at least 2 SF teams there for at least a year. If you think working with Al Qaeda is new to Libya, Think again. Where do you think we get our best Intel?
      How do you think we got so far in Afghanistan? we have operatives(Special Forces) in the lead working with the Indigenous population, some of whom are Al Qaeda.

      Report Post » MastrSSG  
1 2 3 4

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love