Give talks a chance in Libya
By An Huihou | China Daily | Updated: 2011-03-30 07:42
US President Barack Obama announced on Monday that NATO would take over full command of the Libya operation from Wednesday, a move apparently taken under mounting pressure from the international community and the American people. The lesson of the costly Iraq War has forced Obama to rule out the possibility of overthrowing Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi militarily.
However, the command transfer won't change the dominant role of the United States since NATO is a US-led military alliance. Moreover, the "name change game" is the use of "smart power" by the US and gives it more room to maneuver.
The coalition forces are now targeting Libyan ground forces after having damaged the country's air force and air defense systems.
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