WASHINGTON (AP) — NATO’s agreement to take command of the no-fly zone over Libya doesn’t allow the U.S. to make a quick exit from the costly military operation as the Obama administration had wanted.
American sea and airpower remain key parts of the effort to keep forces loyal to Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi from attacking civilians. The U.S., along with France and Britain, maintains primary responsibility for attacks on Gadhafi’s ground forces and air defense systems. Those are the toughest and most controversial parts of the operation.
The Obama administration had sought a clear signal from NATO on the hand-over. Instead, it got a mixed message.
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen (AHN’-derz FOHG RAHS’-moo-sihn) said Thursday the alliance eventually could take more responsibility. But he said “that decision has not been reached yet.”
