Comments on: Obama's Libyan Gamble http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/ Reality-based political commentary Wed, 13 May 2026 04:47:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Chris Weigant: The Chances of Success in Libya | Military Friendly Colleges http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13721 Chris Weigant: The Chances of Success in Libya | Military Friendly Colleges Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:53:00 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13721 [...] the topic of the week seems to be rampant speculation about the success of what I’m calling Obama’s Libyan Gamble, I thought it would be worth the time to examine all the possible future outcomes. When I sat down [...] [...] the topic of the week seems to be rampant speculation about the success of what I’m calling Obama’s Libyan Gamble, I thought it would be worth the time to examine all the possible future outcomes. When I sat down [...]

]]> By: A Deep Look At Obama’s Libyan Gamble, Week Two - Finding Out About http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13705 A Deep Look At Obama’s Libyan Gamble, Week Two - Finding Out About Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:00:03 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13705 [...] Last Monday, I wrote an article titled "Obama's Libyan Gamble." This should be read as "Part Two" of that [...] [...] Last Monday, I wrote an article titled "Obama's Libyan Gamble." This should be read as "Part Two" of that [...]

]]> By: A Deep Look At Obama’s Libyan Gamble, Week Two | Wordwide News Exposed http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13702 A Deep Look At Obama’s Libyan Gamble, Week Two | Wordwide News Exposed Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:21:35 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13702 [...] Last Monday, I wrote an article titled "Obama's Libyan Gamble." This should be read as "Part Two" of that [...] [...] Last Monday, I wrote an article titled "Obama's Libyan Gamble." This should be read as "Part Two" of that [...]

]]> By: Obama’s Libyan Gamble, Week Two « Back on the Block http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13700 Obama’s Libyan Gamble, Week Two « Back on the Block Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:57:54 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13700 [...] Last Monday, I wrote an article titled "Obama's Libyan Gamble." This should be read as "Part Two" of that [...] [...] Last Monday, I wrote an article titled "Obama's Libyan Gamble." This should be read as "Part Two" of that [...]

]]> By: Chris Weigant: Obama’s Libyan Gamble, Week Two | Blog Of The Year http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13692 Chris Weigant: Obama’s Libyan Gamble, Week Two | Blog Of The Year Tue, 29 Mar 2011 01:13:43 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13692 [...] Last Monday, I wrote an article titled "Obama's Libyan Gamble." This should be read as "Part Two" of that [...] [...] Last Monday, I wrote an article titled "Obama's Libyan Gamble." This should be read as "Part Two" of that [...]

]]> By: Chris Weigant: Obama’s Libyan Gamble, Week Two «ScrollPost.com http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13691 Chris Weigant: Obama’s Libyan Gamble, Week Two «ScrollPost.com Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:39:03 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13691 [...] Afghanistan & PakistanIncitementIraqLibya Share[Note: Last Monday, I wrote an article titled "Obama's Libyan Gamble." This should be read as "Part Two" of that [...] [...] Afghanistan & PakistanIncitementIraqLibya Share[Note: Last Monday, I wrote an article titled "Obama's Libyan Gamble." This should be read as "Part Two" of that [...]

]]> By: ChrisWeigant.com » Obama's Libyan Gamble, Week Two http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13689 ChrisWeigant.com » Obama's Libyan Gamble, Week Two Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:09:14 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13689 [...] Obama’s Libyan Gamble [...] [...] Obama’s Libyan Gamble [...]

]]> By: ChrisWeigant.com » Friday Talking Points [160] -- "Name That War" Contest http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13664 ChrisWeigant.com » Friday Talking Points [160] -- "Name That War" Contest Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:34:10 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13664 [...] Obama’s Libyan Gamble [...] [...] Obama’s Libyan Gamble [...]

]]> By: Friday Talking Points [160] — “Name That War” Contest « Democrats for Progress http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13661 Friday Talking Points [160] — “Name That War” Contest « Democrats for Progress Sat, 26 Mar 2011 02:25:13 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13661 [...] and Libya can check out the first article I wrote, before Obama intervened, the article I wrote following the beginning of the war, and the article I wrote which tries to make broad predictions of possible outcomes (fool’s [...] [...] and Libya can check out the first article I wrote, before Obama intervened, the article I wrote following the beginning of the war, and the article I wrote which tries to make broad predictions of possible outcomes (fool’s [...]

]]> By: Chris Weigant: The Chances of Success in Libya » Grubbyhub Blog - Get Your Latest Info Here! http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13637 Chris Weigant: The Chances of Success in Libya » Grubbyhub Blog - Get Your Latest Info Here! Thu, 24 Mar 2011 02:33:59 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13637 [...] the topic of the week seems to be rampant speculation about the success of what I’m calling Obama’s Libyan Gamble, I thought it would be worth the time to examine all the possible future outcomes. When I sat down [...] [...] the topic of the week seems to be rampant speculation about the success of what I’m calling Obama’s Libyan Gamble, I thought it would be worth the time to examine all the possible future outcomes. When I sat down [...]

]]> By: Chris Weigant: The Chances of Success in Libya | Blog Of The Year http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13636 Chris Weigant: The Chances of Success in Libya | Blog Of The Year Thu, 24 Mar 2011 02:15:18 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13636 [...] the topic of the week seems to be rampant speculation about the success of what I’m calling Obama’s Libyan Gamble, I thought it would be worth the time to examine all the possible future outcomes. When I sat down [...] [...] the topic of the week seems to be rampant speculation about the success of what I’m calling Obama’s Libyan Gamble, I thought it would be worth the time to examine all the possible future outcomes. When I sat down [...]

]]> By: ChrisWeigant.com » The Chances For Success In Libya http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13635 ChrisWeigant.com » The Chances For Success In Libya Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:52:05 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13635 [...] Obama’s Libyan Gamble [...] [...] Obama’s Libyan Gamble [...]

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13634 Michale Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:33:18 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13634 CW, <I>No, no, the LIBYA list...?</I> Well, the original list came from FNC.... But, knowing you wouldn't accept that w/o backup :D, I found this: Countries enforcing UN SC Resolution 1973: Belgium Canada Denmark France Greece Italy Netherlands Norway Qatar Romania Spain Turkey United Kingdom United States http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_military_intervention_in_Libya NYPoet, <I>just because i'd vote for you doesn't mean i think you're right. ;p </I> Oh, that's a given.. :D "The devil you know" and all that.. :D Michale..... CW,

No, no, the LIBYA list...?

Well, the original list came from FNC....

But, knowing you wouldn't accept that w/o backup :D, I found this:

Countries enforcing UN SC Resolution 1973:

Belgium
Canada
Denmark
France
Greece
Italy
Netherlands
Norway
Qatar
Romania
Spain
Turkey
United Kingdom
United States
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_military_intervention_in_Libya

NYPoet,

just because i'd vote for you doesn't mean i think you're right. ;p

Oh, that's a given.. :D

"The devil you know" and all that.. :D

Michale.....

]]> By: nypoet22 http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13633 nypoet22 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:11:22 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13633 @cw, don't get me wrong, i'm a center-left democrat, and the likelihood of the republican party putting forth someone i'd consider choosing for president is pretty slim. however, i'm no ideologue. on that cool day in hell when the republicans run a relative moderate who is openly willing to tax the uber-rich fairly (read michale's statements on that) - well, conservatives who say they'll do something tend to actually do it. @michale, just because i'd vote for you doesn't mean i think you're right. ;p ~joshua @cw,

don't get me wrong, i'm a center-left democrat, and the likelihood of the republican party putting forth someone i'd consider choosing for president is pretty slim. however, i'm no ideologue. on that cool day in hell when the republicans run a relative moderate who is openly willing to tax the uber-rich fairly (read michale's statements on that) - well, conservatives who say they'll do something tend to actually do it.

@michale,
just because i'd vote for you doesn't mean i think you're right. ;p

~joshua

]]> By: Chris Weigant http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13632 Chris Weigant Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:45:32 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13632 Michale - No, no, the LIBYA list...? -CW Michale -

No, no, the LIBYA list...?

-CW

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13631 Michale Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:01:59 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13631 <B>There are 30 countries who have agreed to be part of the coalition for the immediate disarmament of Iraq. I'd have to say these are countries that we have gone to and said, "Do you want to be listed?" and they have said, "Yes." I'll read them to you alphabetically, so that we get the definitive list out on the record. They are: Afghanistan, Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan. </B> http://usinfo.org/wf-archive/2003/030318/epf202.htm <I>I'm still taking a wait-and-see approach. Obama's got to hold a press conference SOON after he gets back, though.</I> You would think that with all the planning, contemplation and brainstorming that allegedly took place, the Libya coalition would be a tad more organized. <I>Haven't heard anything about this, I will certainly check that article out.</I> I have read a couple more articles where Obama, once again, reiterated his "no US boots on Libyan soil" pledge.. Which makes the Lejuene report all the more perplexing.. Michale..... There are 30 countries who have agreed to be part of the coalition for the immediate disarmament of Iraq. I'd have to say these are countries that we have gone to and said, "Do you want to be listed?" and they have said, "Yes."

I'll read them to you alphabetically, so that we get the definitive list out on the record.

They are: Afghanistan, Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan.

http://usinfo.org/wf-archive/2003/030318/epf202.htm

I'm still taking a wait-and-see approach. Obama's got to hold a press conference SOON after he gets back, though.

You would think that with all the planning, contemplation and brainstorming that allegedly took place, the Libya coalition would be a tad more organized.

Haven't heard anything about this, I will certainly check that article out.

I have read a couple more articles where Obama, once again, reiterated his "no US boots on Libyan soil" pledge..

Which makes the Lejuene report all the more perplexing..

Michale.....

]]> By: Chris Weigant http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13630 Chris Weigant Wed, 23 Mar 2011 19:37:56 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13630 Michale [1] - Where'd you get the Libyan coalition list? State Dept? I'm interested -- that's the best list I've seen, as the news media have ignored who is actually on board (past "France and Britain"). Let me know, or post a link, please. I agree, this is a big gamble for Obama politically (not to make light of how big a gamble it is militarily, that's a separate issue, just don't want to comingle the two). It is a mighty big "IF" -- I think we agree on that. Militarily, I was heartened to see them bomb some tanks, as without that sort of thing, the no-fly zone isn't going to do much (as I said when it was first proposed). I'm still taking a wait-and-see approach. Obama's got to hold a press conference SOON after he gets back, though. [2] - OK, that was funny, I have to admit. joshua [3] - Hoo boy... President Michale? Um, well, that certainly got MY attention... Michale [4] - Hey, I'd settle for Democrats hiring me to teach them how to stay on message... [5] - Haven't heard anything about this, I will certainly check that article out. [6] - That's a bet I wouldn't take, personally. I think you're right. Executive power always looks a lot better when sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office, no matter who is in the chair -- that's the constant in this equation. Heh. -CW Michale [1] -

Where'd you get the Libyan coalition list? State Dept? I'm interested -- that's the best list I've seen, as the news media have ignored who is actually on board (past "France and Britain"). Let me know, or post a link, please.

I agree, this is a big gamble for Obama politically (not to make light of how big a gamble it is militarily, that's a separate issue, just don't want to comingle the two). It is a mighty big "IF" -- I think we agree on that. Militarily, I was heartened to see them bomb some tanks, as without that sort of thing, the no-fly zone isn't going to do much (as I said when it was first proposed).

I'm still taking a wait-and-see approach. Obama's got to hold a press conference SOON after he gets back, though.

[2] -

OK, that was funny, I have to admit.

joshua [3] -

Hoo boy... President Michale? Um, well, that certainly got MY attention...

Michale [4] -

Hey, I'd settle for Democrats hiring me to teach them how to stay on message...

[5] -

Haven't heard anything about this, I will certainly check that article out.

[6] -

That's a bet I wouldn't take, personally. I think you're right. Executive power always looks a lot better when sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office, no matter who is in the chair -- that's the constant in this equation. Heh.

-CW

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13627 Michale Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:01:20 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13627 <B>If {President Bush} gives authorization to war... without Congressional approval, I will make it my business to impeach him!</B> -Senator Joe Biden, 8 Dec 2007 <B>The President does not have the power to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation.</B> -Senator Barack Obama, 20 Dec 2007 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adpa5kYUhCA I bet Biden and Obama would just love to take back those words, eh?? :D Michale..... If {President Bush} gives authorization to war... without Congressional approval, I will make it my business to impeach him!
-Senator Joe Biden, 8 Dec 2007

The President does not have the power to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation.
-Senator Barack Obama, 20 Dec 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adpa5kYUhCA

I bet Biden and Obama would just love to take back those words, eh?? :D

Michale.....

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13626 Michale Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:49:45 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13626 Has something changed and I wasn't notified??? <B>Camp Lejeune Marines To Libya</B> http://www.wcti12.com/news/27257042/detail.html I thought the administration stated explicitly that there would be no US boots on the ground... Did I miss a memo??? Michale..... Has something changed and I wasn't notified???

Camp Lejeune Marines To Libya
http://www.wcti12.com/news/27257042/detail.html

I thought the administration stated explicitly that there would be no US boots on the ground...

Did I miss a memo???

Michale.....

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13619 Michale Tue, 22 Mar 2011 20:30:56 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13619 <I>I'd vote for you,</I> Thank ya!! :D <I> but the chances of someone as reason-based as yourself gaining the republican nomination are even lower than libya being an unmitigated success.</I> Hehehehehehehe Very good point! :D Like David has always said, if us Weigantians could get together and actually run things, this country would be a LOT better off... Michale... I'd vote for you,

Thank ya!! :D

but the chances of someone as reason-based as yourself gaining the republican nomination are even lower than libya being an unmitigated success.

Hehehehehehehe

Very good point! :D

Like David has always said, if us Weigantians could get together and actually run things, this country would be a LOT better off...

Michale...

]]> By: nypoet22 http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13618 nypoet22 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:55:23 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13618 <i>But that's a big IF.. It's more likely that we actually will still be in Libya during the 2012 presidential election. If we are, *I* could beat Obama!!! :D</i> I'd vote for you, but the chances of someone as reason-based as yourself gaining the republican nomination are even lower than libya being an unmitigated success. ~joshua But that's a big IF.. It's more likely that we actually will still be in Libya during the 2012 presidential election.

If we are, *I* could beat Obama!!! :D

I'd vote for you, but the chances of someone as reason-based as yourself gaining the republican nomination are even lower than libya being an unmitigated success.

~joshua

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13616 Michale Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:15:32 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13616 <B>"Obama has now fired more cruise missiles than all other Nobel Peace prize winners combined."</B> -Twitter message Whatever yer politics, ya gotta admit. THAT is funny as hell!! :D Michale..... "Obama has now fired more cruise missiles than all other Nobel Peace prize winners combined."
-Twitter message

Whatever yer politics, ya gotta admit.

THAT is funny as hell!! :D

Michale.....

]]> By: Michale http://www.chrisweigant.com/2011/03/21/obamas-libyan-gamble/#comment-13610 Michale Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:26:28 +0000 http://www.chrisweigant.com/?p=3663#comment-13610 <I>I would speculate that this is intentional, because Obama is trying to pass this whole thing off as "no big deal, really."</I> I think that attitude is what has a lot of people concerned. Especially on the Left.. War is SUPPOSED to be a big deal.. If a president has the attitude towards war of, "Hooo hummm... Let's lob a few missiles at some scumbag and then check our NCAA brackets" then that is cause for concern, I would think. <B>"Death, destruction, disease, horror. That's what war is all about, Anan. That's what makes it a thing to be avoided."</B> -Kirk, STAR TREK, A Taste Of Armageddon <I>Going in to Iraq didn't have much of a coalition behind it, but the Afghanistan war did.</I> Actually, Bush had twice as many in his Iraq Coalition than Obama has in his Libya Coalition... Coalition Countries - Iraq - 2003 Afghanistan, Albania Australia Azerbaijan Bulgaria Colombia Czech Republic Denmark El Salvador Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Georgia Hungary Italy Japan South Korea Latvia Lithuania Macedonia Netherlands Nicaragua Philippines Poland Romania Slovakia Spain Turkey United Kingdom Uzbekistan <I>[Source: US State Department]</I> Coalition - Libya - 2011 United States France United Kingdom Italy Canada Belgium Denmark Norway Qatar Spain Greece Germany Poland Jordan Morocco United Arab Emirate <I>If it works, people might start speaking of Obama's gamble as the Obama Doctrine.</I> If it doesn't work, people will still call it the Obama Doctrine, but with scorn rather than respect.. :D Frankly, I don't expect too much from it. As you point out, history is replete with examples of Presidents saying "It will be a quick in and out war, trust me." and then we're still there years later... If Obama can pull this off, it might just save his 2012 re-election campaign.. But that's a big IF.. It's more likely that we actually will still be in Libya during the 2012 presidential election. If we are, *I* could beat Obama!!! :D Michale.... I would speculate that this is intentional, because Obama is trying to pass this whole thing off as "no big deal, really."

I think that attitude is what has a lot of people concerned.

Especially on the Left..

War is SUPPOSED to be a big deal..

If a president has the attitude towards war of, "Hooo hummm... Let's lob a few missiles at some scumbag and then check our NCAA brackets" then that is cause for concern, I would think.

"Death, destruction, disease, horror. That's what war is all about, Anan. That's what makes it a thing to be avoided."
-Kirk, STAR TREK, A Taste Of Armageddon

Going in to Iraq didn't have much of a coalition behind it, but the Afghanistan war did.

Actually, Bush had twice as many in his Iraq Coalition than Obama has in his Libya Coalition...

Coalition Countries - Iraq - 2003

Afghanistan,
Albania
Australia
Azerbaijan
Bulgaria
Colombia
Czech Republic
Denmark
El Salvador
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Georgia
Hungary
Italy
Japan
South Korea
Latvia
Lithuania
Macedonia
Netherlands
Nicaragua
Philippines
Poland
Romania
Slovakia
Spain
Turkey
United Kingdom
Uzbekistan
[Source: US State Department]

Coalition - Libya - 2011

United States
France
United Kingdom
Italy
Canada
Belgium
Denmark
Norway
Qatar
Spain
Greece
Germany
Poland
Jordan
Morocco
United Arab Emirate

If it works, people might start speaking of Obama's gamble as the Obama Doctrine.

If it doesn't work, people will still call it the Obama Doctrine, but with scorn rather than respect.. :D

Frankly, I don't expect too much from it. As you point out, history is replete with examples of Presidents saying "It will be a quick in and out war, trust me." and then we're still there years later...

If Obama can pull this off, it might just save his 2012 re-election campaign..

But that's a big IF.. It's more likely that we actually will still be in Libya during the 2012 presidential election.

If we are, *I* could beat Obama!!! :D

Michale....

]]>