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It Begins: France Commences Military Action Over Libya

Tyler Durden's picture




 

It has begun - From the AP: "Top officials from the United States, Europe and the Arab world have announced immediate military action to protect civilians amid combat between Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's forces and rebel fighters. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said after an emergency summit in Paris on Saturday that France has already taken military action against Libya. Sarkozy said "our determination is total." Earlier Saturday, Libyan government troops forces stormed into the rebel capital of Benghazi, apparently ignoring a proclaimed cease-fire and potentially complicating any allied military action."

The photo below shows what happens when a Libyan jet takes on a French fighter jet:

More from Al Arabiya:

Several French Rafale fighter jets on Saturday overflew "all Libyan territory" on reconnaissance mission, ready to enforce an air-exclusion zone to halt Muammar Qaddafi’s attacks on opposition, a French military source said, as Western leaders met in Paris to consider their next steps.

The planes were in the air not far from Libya this afternoon and were ready to carry out air strikes if there are orders from President Nicolas Sarkozy, a military official with knowledge of the preparations said on condition of anonymity.

World leaders gathered in Paris on Saturday to discuss a coordinated military intervention in Libya, where Muammar Gaddafi defied the West with an advance into the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.

A witness from the western town of Zintin has told Al Arabiya that Gaddafi forces were pounding the town with artillery and residents, including women and children, were taking refuge hideouts in the city.

The witness added that Gaddafi forces were attempting to subdue the opposition-held town because of its strategic location west of the capital Tripoli.

An unnamed U.S. official has said the ongoing violence against Libyan civilians "obviously has an impact" on the international community's next steps

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Sarkozy met privately and then sat down with Arab leaders, an African Union representative, European Union representatives and European heads of state to prepare rapid U.N.-mandated action.

After Gaddafi broke his pledge of a ceasefire overnight, sources close to the Paris talks said military strikes could start as soon as the meeting ends on Saturday afternoon, with France, Britain and Canada in an initial operation and any participation by the United States or Arab nations coming later.

"The strikes could start around 3 or 4 o'clock (1400-1500 GMT)," one source said, adding that Gaddafi's advance into the eastern city of Benghazi had increased pressure to act fast.

A second source said it was "certainly possible" that strikes would start straight after the meeting.

Sarkozy will address the media after the meeting wraps up at around 3:30 p.m. (1430 GMT) and Clinton, Cameron and Merkel are also expected to make statements.

Iraq's foreign minister was at the talks, as was the Qatari prime minister and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, even though Germany is not expected to participate in any action for now.

Determined to prove its diplomatic clout after its clumsy handling of the revolt in Tunisia, Paris has been at the forefront of coordinating a world response to the crisis in Libya, where Gaddafi's troops outgun rag-tag and poorly armed rebel forces. Sarkozy was the first foreign leader to recognize the opposition and drop support for Gaddafi.

Backed by Cameron, Sarkozy convened Saturday's talks in a matter of hours after pushing France's U.N. Security Council partners hard this week to back a resolution allowing possible military action and a no-fly zone over Libya.

NATO ambassadors met in Brussels earlier on Saturday to discuss involvement by the 28-member military alliance in enforcing a no-fly zone, but no decision was taken.

A NATO diplomat said Britain, the United States and Canada were in favour of NATO taking a lead in any operation but said Paris was lukewarm on the idea.

"There could be a decision tomorrow saying that NATO will engage in a no-fly zone, but it's still not clear whether it will be a coalition of the willing, or a NATO operation," the diplomat said.

"France seems to have some problem with it being a NATO operation, given NATO's reputation in the Arab world as a result of Afghanistan and given that NATO is seen as an alliance dominated by the United States."

He added: "What is certain is that time is pressing. A delay of 12 hours of so could be very harmful."

Gaddafi's push into Libya's second city of 670,000 people, in spite of the ceasefire pledged on Friday, appeared to be an attempt to pre-empt Western military action.

France and Britain declined to react to the latest attacks ahead of the Paris talks, but a French government source said the international community must act fast.

"Everything is ready (to act) but the decision is now a political one. It's clear we have to move quickly," he said.

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe met EU Foreign Minister Catherine Ashton earlier on Saturday to discuss the EU's role.

In the meantime pro Gaddafi forces in Tripoli threaten all out civil war, as per Al Jazeera (watch live coverage after the jump).

 

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Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:24 | 1075598 CrockettAlmanac.com
CrockettAlmanac.com's picture

The Germans did not take Paris during WWI.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:32 | 1075654 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

You're missing an "I".

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:22 | 1076322 kaiten
kaiten's picture

And you are missing your brain.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:34 | 1076372 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

OH MY GOD...Is that covered by my Blue Cross Insurance?  That's going to be serious co-pay!  I sure hope that's considered major medical...Oh man, I have to look at the mice print in my policy.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:40 | 1076396 kaiten
kaiten's picture

You dont have to do anything. Just grow up, finally.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 17:02 | 1076482 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

Can I be like you when I get all grown up?  I want to make sure I do it right because I'm sure all of your personal opinions are correct and mine are wrong.  I don't want to fuck this all up again.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 17:21 | 1076565 kaiten
kaiten's picture

You´ve got it wrong, dude. Grown up is not about being always correct. Quite the contrary.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 17:23 | 1076581 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

I would expect that to be a lesson you learn daily.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 18:12 | 1076771 kaiten
kaiten's picture

Yes, it happens to me from time to time, but only when I meet adults, so it doesnt concern you.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 20:02 | 1077123 Haywood Jablowme
Haywood Jablowme's picture

+1

 

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:26 | 1075623 GDE
GDE's picture

Some education for you

France lost all wars ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfN916dKvTk&feature=related

 

 

 

 

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 17:26 | 1076603 Currently Smoki...
Currently Smoking Cannabis's picture

I can't believe you petty dipshits are debating the technical accuracy of the facts within a joke.

 

Do you know what those are?

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:45 | 1075414 cossack55
cossack55's picture

You forgot rearview mirror (so they can watch the battle) and back-up lights.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:28 | 1075637 Herman Strandsc...
Herman Strandschnecke's picture

 I'm on my 3rd French Car.

 Herman Strand-Schnecke.(Panzer Division)

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:25 | 1075061 no life
no life's picture

Meanwhile, sources reported President Obama about to shoot a bogey on hole 13..

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:29 | 1075074 GlassHammer
GlassHammer's picture

He is just investing his resources to create a better future performance. 

Or to put it another way he is "Winning the Future" in golf. 

 

 

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:42 | 1075149 Long-John-Silver
Long-John-Silver's picture

Anyone know if he's going to visit the oil rigs that left the US Gulf of Mexico for Brazil?

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:01 | 1075246 prophet
prophet's picture

Transparency!

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:25 | 1075062 Seasmoke
Seasmoke's picture

now this a civil war......give obama another nobel peace prize

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:24 | 1075066 ciscokid
ciscokid's picture

I wonder what they had for lunch

and which wine was served.

Guess the US gave Europe Libia

as its too small to share.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:46 | 1075730 DoChenRollingBearing
DoChenRollingBearing's picture

Let Italy have Libya back when this is all over.  They conquered it fair and square long ago.

Italy CANNOT do a worse job that Gaddafi.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:43 | 1076412 AnAnonymous
AnAnonymous's picture

If they keep the same line they had when they invaded Ethiopia, I am pretty sure, knowing your feelings to negroes, that you will be extremelly satisfied with the result.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 18:24 | 1076820 DoChenRollingBearing
DoChenRollingBearing's picture

¿What?

Please clarify your resonse, thanks.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:27 | 1075071 bob_dabolina
bob_dabolina's picture

I think Labia will put up a good fight.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:13 | 1075307 Deepskyy
Deepskyy's picture

What you did there... I see it.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:59 | 1075464 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

Remember when 'no' is the answer it's normally a 'strong maybe'.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:27 | 1075072 AmazingLarry
AmazingLarry's picture

Never underestimate the use of a crusty baguette as a deadly weapon.

Also - holy shit! - to the image above!!

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:27 | 1075076 baconator3000
baconator3000's picture

that is a dassault mirage f1

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:17 | 1075319 Drag Racer
Drag Racer's picture

look again, tail section is a dead givaway and the mid-section taper around the wing pivot points, thats a 23

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:29 | 1075078 Spitzer
Spitzer's picture

Are you fuckin serious ? Like they are dog fighting these jets ?

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:27 | 1075079 SRV - ES339
SRV - ES339's picture

Fireworks and party hats at CNN this weekend... Time Warner spike Monday morning!

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:31 | 1075080 JenkinsLane
JenkinsLane's picture

Good to see the French getting stuck in for a change. Hopefully the Allies can wipe out his air force fairly quickly and effortlessly then get stuck in to his armour. It would be good if some Arab pilots could join in so the exercise isn't viewed as entirely Western. Once his air and armoured power is gone the odds will have been evened out and they can be left to it. Obviously this intervention is hardly altruistic but if it reduces the numbers of civilians bombed to death and men dragged out of their beds in the middle of the night to have a bullet put through their head I'm all for it.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:34 | 1075104 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

Please, that's just for political sake.  They'll fly a sortie or two then you'll see the F-117's and F-15's in force.

This way, it doesn't appear the Americans 'started it'.  Rest assured, we'll be tasked with the heavy lifting and ending it.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:22 | 1076326 beaufou
beaufou's picture

Like Vietnam (failure) - Korea (failure) - Cuba (failure) - Iraq (failure in the making) - Afghanistan (see Iraq) .

What exactly are your credentials to speak of cowards, bravery and victory?

And please, refrain from using "we", you are not a fighter, just a spiteful computer prick who has never fired a live ammo in his life.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:41 | 1076404 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

Cuba...wow, that's really a reach.  But, shit, why not?  When you're categorizing Korea as a failure, why not go for the whole enchilada.  I'd like for you to bounce your Korean 'failure' off the citizens of South Korea.  You know...if you don't mind.

I noticed you left out a few...let me hook you up.  Revolutionary, Barbary, War of 1812, Mexican-American, Spanish-American, WWI, WWII, Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf, Bosnia.

Douche.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:57 | 1076462 AnAnonymous
AnAnonymous's picture

The partition of what would be the oldest nation in the world and the creation of North Korea is indeed quite an achievement the US are enough celebrated for.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 17:03 | 1076493 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

I know you represent the entire population of the free democracy of the Republic of South Korea, so I thank you for that compliment.  I would have thought they would have actually had an actual South Korean make that announcement...but, Germans normally know best so it's logical.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 17:11 | 1076527 beaufou
beaufou's picture

Well, in one of your earlier comments, you mentioned the French were not the same since WW1, so I guess, taking this historical context, I would also put in into perspective since WWII.

You are taking credit for it, so you must be old also.

Let me remind you of one thing, you are an American, a society based on Europe, you are but the continuity of the European model, whether you like it or not, you are not special.

As for English, German, French etc...if you only knew little about history, you would find the lines are very blurry, but blurry is not for you, facts and reality don't interfere with people like you.

You are not Rome, Rome was a civilization not a stripmall.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 17:48 | 1076690 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

You are not Rome, Rome was a civilization not a stripmall.

You were making a point and then went full Eurotard.  Work on that and come back later.

 

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 18:12 | 1076777 JenkinsLane
JenkinsLane's picture

How is this comment junk? If you don't agree with it, and frankly I don't care if you do or you don't, why not post a comment countering it? 

Whoever junked this is a schmuck.

(The 20 of you who now proceed to junk it because you think you're being funny, that's fair enough.) 

Sun, 03/20/2011 - 00:29 | 1077748 i-dog
i-dog's picture

Please don't encourage the basement dwellers to display their ignorance by also adding a string of twitterish comments to their meaningless 'junking'!

You'll notice that not only the OP gets junked, but also those who DO post comments rejecting his assertions. It's an endless chain that is better broken by just hitting 'junk' and moving on (if you disagree with the OP ... which, in this case, I do because he is simply repeating MSM propaganda about Daffy - but not strongly enough to bother junking him).

OTOH, the myopic, warmongering, basement-dwelling 'boilermaker' fully deserves all his junks. He is not even as "brave" as the button-pushers on the USS Kearsarge who are now launching deadly warheads onto the civillian population (ie. collateral damage) from a safe distance out at sea. No doubt they will soon be joined by even "braver" button-pushers safely firing from drones "at terrorists" in churches and market places ... from fucking Kansas!

Daffy is not the only dictator ALLEGEDLY killing disidents in his population to retain control ... and many of the others are actively supported by the US administration.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:29 | 1075081 Rodent Freikorps
Rodent Freikorps's picture

The French have NEVER failed to betray an ally. WTF are we doing?

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:35 | 1075112 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

Huh?  The French are a great ally!  As long as they reap all the benefits with none of the costs and have a way to escape any commitments when things turn bad.

It just depends how you define 'ally'.  It's lost in translation, evidently.  It's not their fault that we define it differently.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:45 | 1075160 Rodent Freikorps
Rodent Freikorps's picture

Okay, I did not know "ally" = "stooge" in french.

There are a lot of things even the English left in the original French. Sabotage, espionage, Coup d'etat, bureaucrat...etc. Some things just need to remain original to express the true slime covered shit they are.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:41 | 1075137 Rodent Freikorps
Rodent Freikorps's picture

Fuck you junkers. Learn some history.

 

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:41 | 1075145 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

This site has a healthy minority of Eurotards.  You know...the moral police.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:48 | 1075174 Rodent Freikorps
Rodent Freikorps's picture

Add their Ivy League fluffers, and it is guaranteed.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:53 | 1075197 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

I'm going to sit back and think about that while sipping my coffee with my pinky out.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:00 | 1075240 Rodent Freikorps
Rodent Freikorps's picture

Of course. Being validated as being civilized by one's peers is all that really matters. Eh, what?

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:41 | 1075398 ZeroPower
ZeroPower's picture

Or, as in France, one doesn't sip coffee, merely downs it like a shot.

Chartreuse FTW

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:50 | 1075743 DoChenRollingBearing
DoChenRollingBearing's picture

Absinthe!

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:25 | 1075612 AnAnonymous
AnAnonymous's picture

There is not many differences between Europeans and US citizens when it comes to certain things.

Only their will to seem them distinct on these certain things to keep the masquerade going on.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:34 | 1075665 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

Being married to German citizen, I can say that they are 90% exactly the same and 10% utterly different.  Makes things...interesting.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:21 | 1076329 AnAnonymous
AnAnonymous's picture

US citizens are most Saxon people.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:42 | 1076409 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

LOL, incredible.  Most Germans are blue eyed and blonde haired and a forehead that measures...

WTF?

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:58 | 1076470 AnAnonymous
AnAnonymous's picture

The Saxons are the largest ethnical group in the US.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:46 | 1076421 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

LOL, incredible.  Most Germans are blue eyed and blonde haired and a forehead that measures...

WTF?

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:47 | 1076422 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

LOL, incredible.  Most Germans are blue eyed and blonde haired and a forehead that measures...

WTF?

*so retarded it needed reiterated.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 14:05 | 1075792 doggings
doggings's picture

fuck you arrogant ignorant delusional american pricks. 

just glad your time is coming - it cant come soon enough for me

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 14:16 | 1075832 newbee
newbee's picture

Now now... we're just joking a little...

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 15:10 | 1076014 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

Was I just call arrogant by a Frenchman?

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 18:15 | 1076784 edotabin
edotabin's picture

I would say that you should be very careful for what you wish for.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:28 | 1075082 Azannoth
Azannoth's picture

Libya still has Migs 23 LOL, you can shoot it down with a slingshot

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-23

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:28 | 1075083 Subprime JD
Subprime JD's picture

Pro gov forces are already in Benghazi. Too little too late at this point as air power has its limits in a crowded city. It appears that Col. Daffy pulled a classic bait and switch as he announced a cease fire while moving his troops into Benghazi. Now that his troops are in the rebel hq there is little that UN forces can do other then actually going in with heavy infantry to root the gov forces out.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:30 | 1075092 Azannoth
Azannoth's picture

Yes they can they can selectively bomb all heavy military equipment, tanks, APCs, support vehicles, so that Gadaffis army will have to fight on foot

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:38 | 1075123 Subprime JD
Subprime JD's picture

It is very difficult to selectively bomb heavy military equipment which is already in a city without causing serious civilian harm. Pinpoint airstrikes require lazer guidance from spotters. Cruise missiles are "pretty" accurate but do miss targets on a regular basis. And most importantly, it is unclear how big of a role the US will play and as such, I doubt how much power the French, Danes and Brits can muster, especially after watching them call for US air support time and time again in Afghanistan.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:49 | 1075432 cossack55
cossack55's picture

No kiddin'. You want some serious killin of little colored people armed with obsolete weapons, the US is the go-to team.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 14:07 | 1075798 doggings
doggings's picture

and lets not forget some random gung-ho bullshit and bombing of friendlies here, nobody does that better than team america

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:06 | 1076238 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

I knew we were still #1 at something!

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 17:00 | 1076479 AnAnonymous
AnAnonymous's picture

 serious civilian harm

 

Civilian, that is when Gaddafi's regular military shoots at when aiming armed people.

When the US shoots at armed people, they are illegal combatants.

The US and its cohort of allies can not shot at civilians, only illegal fighters and Gaffadi's regular military.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:28 | 1075084 Subprime JD
Subprime JD's picture

Pro gov forces are already in Benghazi. Too little too late at this point as air power has its limits in a crowded city. It appears that Col. Daffy pulled a classic bait and switch as he announced a cease fire while moving his troops into Benghazi. Now that his troops are in the rebel hq there is little that UN forces can do other then actually going in with heavy infantry to root the gov forces out.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:32 | 1075099 John Law Lives
John Law Lives's picture

That may be the next step.  If UN coalition forces (i.e. French or US) set foot on the ground in Libya, it could elicit a huge outpouring of support from pro-Gaddafi citizens who view UN coalition forces as invading infidels.  I hope the US has no plans of setting soldiers on the ground.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 15:26 | 1076063 Matte_Black
Matte_Black's picture

Pro gov forces are already in Benghazi. Too little too late at this point as air power has its limits in a crowded city.

My thought as well. One begins to wonder what is really behind all this. The effort seems largely pointless unless the real plan is to put boots on the ground.

Oil of course has everything to do with it, but how they plan to address that issue through these means, especially in light of Iraq's failure to produce. It eludes me at the moment.

 

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:30 | 1075085 John Law Lives
John Law Lives's picture

It will be interesting to see if any French jets engage targets on the ground and start dropping bombs.  If that happens, there is no telling what Gaddafi might do.  He may employ the scorched earth policy and light the candle on some oil wells.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:31 | 1075087 no life
no life's picture

Breaking the cease fire must've been the straw that.. oh never mind.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:37 | 1075113 Mr Lennon Hendrix
Mr Lennon Hendrix's picture

It wasn't that.  Cameron and his SAS were having trouble finding Gadaffi's gold stash.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:45 | 1075158 ciscokid
ciscokid's picture

Lennon,bingo!!!!

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 14:29 | 1075878 Raphio
Raphio's picture

It's under a tarp in Tony Blair's garage

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:31 | 1075094 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

So, when is this token effort by the paisely wearing French ending so the Americans can send in the marines and mop this mother fucker up?

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:35 | 1075111 Goldenballs
Goldenballs's picture

Wouldn,t take the piss or the French Foreign Legion will be onto where you live.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:41 | 1075138 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

Maybe we can have a tickle fight and then debate the whether the steets of Paris smell like a hot garbage can or more of a urine aroma.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:46 | 1075417 zaknick
zaknick's picture

Isn't aroma too big a word for you? What's the trailer trash equivalent?

The banksters are planning to nukular (spelled it your way) false flag your family!

Repent bitch, your judgment is nigh!

lmao

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:14 | 1075535 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

My spelling is wrong...Uh, OK.

I believe the trailer trash version of aroma is 'stanky'.  But, there are some regional influences.  So, take it for what it's worth....or wurth...I forgets wich is korect.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 14:08 | 1075809 doggings
doggings's picture

I bet youre 450lbs armchair-based lard and mouth arent you. 

I would so love to see the urine running down your legs as the Legion closed in on you

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 14:52 | 1075947 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

I'd just offer them cash to betray their mission and country.  It works like a charm with the French.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:57 | 1075213 Golden monkey
Golden monkey's picture

How come America can't win a war without using nuke?

That being said, Afghanistan's solution should appear obvious, even for those who are not frogs...

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:05 | 1075263 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

That's simple to answer.  Because we don't use our entire conventional arsenal to steamroll the fucker and win it.  Otherwise, we'd just be 'barbaric' in the eyes of the world.  We can't have that on our resume'.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:04 | 1075494 cossack55
cossack55's picture

Perhaps you should try reading the US war resume sometime, and no, not the ones written by Oliver North or Rush Limbough.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:11 | 1075542 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

Roger that...will do!  Now, I suppose it's OK for us to roll in another half dozen carrier battle groups and turn Iraq and Afghanistan into a huge parking lot...right?

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:31 | 1075646 Golden monkey
Golden monkey's picture

No need to do that. Additionnal spending cuts in education, health care, and heck, even defense will bring well being for (your?) Muslims brothers.

What I suppose is ok for you is the layoff of thousands of civil servants. Let's see how California can manage that.

Irak and Afhganistan bankrupted America.

But I'm still thinking that a war, where a soldier cannot shoot first is not a war; it's just a massacre. An endless one.

(BTW, did you know about hundreds US soldiers still walking with their balls off? Take it easy, only 10% got brain injury. That's why nuke is not a (pigman) solution).

 

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:34 | 1075672 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

You're not considering the considerable new wealth from poppy and oil fields.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:45 | 1075725 JohnG
JohnG's picture

Glass lined and self lighting.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 14:04 | 1075794 Goldenballs
Goldenballs's picture

 America is not involved because it has no budget left,just a few billion for increaing food stamps,says it all,there won,t be any winners in Libya just dead innocent peole.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 15:33 | 1076088 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

Yea, that's right.  America's national debt and budget are in worse shape than..FRANCE. 

The European education system...epic fail.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 20:31 | 1077188 trav7777
trav7777's picture

"we"?  "our"?

You're not on the team, so STFU you fucking douche

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 20:39 | 1077211 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

Amen to that, I certainly don't want to be hooked with you and especially in a 'brain bowl'.  You'll continue to insist that you can cool a nuclear reactor with a fucking squirt gun.  I'll just pass, thanks. 

Sun, 03/20/2011 - 01:13 | 1077876 trav7777
trav7777's picture

Nothing is more pathetic than a bitter armchair warrior maggot...like you.

You are by FAR the biggest douche around; a person who gets his kicks from rah rah "yay team" shit from a military he DOESN'T FIGHT IN is a pathetic and sad sack of shit.

You are...pitiful.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:33 | 1075100 tallen
tallen's picture

Funny how Obama, the guy awarded a nobel peace prize, is now going to war with Libya without even declaring war, or getting the public to agree to it.

Another oil war. Did they invade Zimbabwe when all hell broke loose with the government and protests? NO.

Libya = Oil = War. 

WW3. It's so sad. They're doing it now because everyone's focused on Japan and will likely no rise against it.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:10 | 1075283 Golden monkey
Golden monkey's picture

I think you're wrong.

I don't think Obama is smart enough to steal the oil. Or even just to think about it.

On the other hand, Dick Cheney was never interested by cocaine and faggots...

It seems we can't get everything we want while we live in this world.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:45 | 1075412 avonaltendorf
avonaltendorf's picture

This whole concept of "stealing the oil" is laughable. A child's view of what's involved. Nothing happens without political stability and extensive collaboration of locals. Libya's oilfields are in the desert, connected to the coast by pipeline, where oil & gas have to be processed. Libyan NOC controls 7/8 of production and always will, because foreign oilfield operators can't do shit as an "occupying power," which nobody wants to attempt anyway. Western oil companies are needed in Libya because locals can't do high tech geoscience or petroleum engineering. Same deal in Iraq, Nigeria, Ghana, etc.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:52 | 1075442 zaknick
zaknick's picture

5 or 6 Saudi princes getting the income from 1 million barrels of oil per day is not theft? Just because you sold out your country's wealth to an evil foreign power?

The wealth of a nation belongs TO the nation not a few fascist elites.

I guess that's defined as commie behavior in your Orwellian life.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:37 | 1075684 avonaltendorf
avonaltendorf's picture

You have no idea what you're talking about. U.S. oil companies had a concession in Arabia, discovered the Ghawar uplift. Then the whole shebang was nationalized, and Saudi Aramco now has a monopoly. Nobody "sold out" anything, they were forced out, and at the time U.S. domestic oil production was in surplus and we were an exporter. I don't care what you imagine the oil industry does. There are thousands of U.S. oil & gas producers, dozens of international oil companies, none of them backed by military power.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 15:37 | 1076096 Matte_Black
Matte_Black's picture

Yet civilians are being slughtered in Yemen and Bahrain as we speak, and the UN isn't launching a no-fly mission in those places. Neither did anyone lift a hand for Egypt's civilians when they were attacked. The only difference I can see is that Lybia has some very fine oil.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:34 | 1075101 zazay
zazay's picture

I say we give the french a chance. 

What did the United States of BS achieve in the past 10 years of raging wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan? Aside from our great achievements of attacking civilians and bombing civil villages, and pampering a debt of nearly 18 Trillion Dollars, we haven't accomplished much now have we? 

Our dear govt. designs an imaginary enemy and gives it the name of "Al Kaeda", then robs the American people blind to fund such war, so that Lockheed martin and the Carlyle group could pay higher dividends. 

Gullible people who are criticizing the French should shut their mouths and book a trip to Paris, to compare with our shitty cities like NY, maybe then they might be entitled to an opinion.

You live in glass houses yet you throw stones.

 

 

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:41 | 1075140 John Law Lives
John Law Lives's picture

<<<  we haven't accomplished much now have we? >>>

It depends upon what the real reason for those interventions was.  Those interventions fueled the military-industrial complex and got new military bases built in strategic locations (i.e. in regions near the oil).  Maybe that was the REAL purpose from the beginning.

It is sickening, but plutocrats and oligarchs call the shots.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:24 | 1075601 greenfire
greenfire's picture

Agreed.  I had no idea so many ZH readers were pathetic boo-yah wanna be warriors that cheer military action.  I'm so glad this is the American form of conflict resolution.  Fortunately, this will only be a temporary state of affairs as more wheels fly off the rickety cart of humanity.  The five permanent members of the UN Security Council - US, Russia, China and France and the UK are the biggest exporters of weapons on the planet.  Secure for them, war and conflict for everyone else.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 14:55 | 1075962 Herman Strandsc...
Herman Strandschnecke's picture

 We need to make and sell weapons to prevent war. If it weren't for weapons, folk would be at each others' throats and fighting hand over fist.

Anyway, this Libya thingy will likely end when the Toyota HiLux spares run out.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 20:34 | 1077200 trav7777
trav7777's picture

Agree...the SAME people who rail nonstop about the government and lying and ponzis and not to be trusted and revolution are really just maggots cheerleading another invasion. WTF

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:32 | 1075102 Panga Man
Panga Man's picture

All this going on and our fuck!ng idiot president is in another country doing nothing. He can not be out of here soon enough.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:35 | 1075107 Long-John-Silver
Long-John-Silver's picture

The world is upside down. The French take the lead while the Empty Suit that is Obama takes a vacation in Rio. Before he takes off he warns that the US would not send troops or planes to enforce the No-Fly zone over Libya.

Obama trying to limit military involvement in Libya

http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/03/18/obama.no.fly/?hpt=T1

 

 

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:44 | 1075151 Goldenballs
Goldenballs's picture

What a joke he is.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:55 | 1075211 spanish inquisition
spanish inquisition's picture

Tells me there is noone left to fight in Libya. We have hit peak troops!

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:25 | 1075607 Bobbyrib
Bobbyrib's picture

Yes, we need to take the lead on this right away. Cut taxes on the rich, institute the Flat Tax and I can pay for US intervention in a country that may or may not attack the US at a later point in time.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:37 | 1075114 viahj
viahj's picture

Al Jazeera reports that this was a rebel plane shot down by Qduffy forces, the pilot did not survive the ejection

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:36 | 1075115 baconator3000
baconator3000's picture

mig 23s are still deadly. im loling at the mig21s tho. i doubt more than a dozen mirages and migs work. the thing i worry about. expect to see scuds over italy. possible wmd

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 14:07 | 1075126 Goldenballs
Goldenballs's picture

The Americans will not go in until they have at least 50 mobile Mcdonalds and a years supply of Coke,everyone knows that.Also there is no money left even to go bankrupt.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:38 | 1075128 Dan Watie
Dan Watie's picture

ah yes, the Bilderburgers at work once more. A repeat of Iraq...etc, repeat, rinse.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:39 | 1075135 scratch_and_sniff
scratch_and_sniff's picture

Has anyone heard the "slaughter rate" comming out of Lybia, havent heard too much about death rates on MSM?

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:40 | 1075136 G-R-U-N-T
G-R-U-N-T's picture

Like I said before....Daffy's finished!! It won't take long before they knock the fire out him and his spawn!! A most severe beating by the ugly stick for this well deserved piece of shit!

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:41 | 1075146 Goldenballs
Goldenballs's picture

The EU getting involved,they are not fit to run a cafe let alone a friggin war,what are they going to do mobilise the Army of Luxembourg,the thought of any of those useless spivs having any input makes me incredulous.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 14:23 | 1075855 tim73
tim73's picture

Eat shit, yank crap.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 18:24 | 1076815 edotabin
edotabin's picture

I still say be very careful what you wish for. The alternatives to the US aren't looking as bright as they would have you believe. Remember how nice and caring the EU started out?

It went from a loving community to enhance the lives of all to an institution that has repeatedly spat in the face of its citizens until they voted the "right way"

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:48 | 1075173 High Plains Drifter
High Plains Drifter's picture

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

What did I just see? No way any of these boobs could do that? Somebody is already on the ground in country now, it would appear? Hmmmm...

So another country falls and its sovereignty is swallowed up in a illegal invasion. We laughed because it was them. But one day, it will be us.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:53 | 1075198 scratch_and_sniff
scratch_and_sniff's picture

It was a rebel plane, they shot down they're own plane.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:58 | 1075769 newbee
newbee's picture

Unfortunately, you're absolutely right.....

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:47 | 1075176 Subprime JD
Subprime JD's picture

A quick look at the Libyan Air Force:

Most of these fighter jets are from the 60's and 70's. In addition, during the US bombing of Libya in the 1980's, the Libyan air force proved to be largely ineffective.

 

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:53 | 1075200 Long-John-Silver
Long-John-Silver's picture

They are very effective on his people.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:02 | 1075242 falak pema
falak pema's picture

Any plane that is Mikoyan has to end up in Disney land with Mickey mouse. I'm sure the french will pick up a souvenir for their own Disney land near Paris. It'll bring the crowds for sure.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:50 | 1075440 Oh regional Indian
Oh regional Indian's picture

Falak, as it turns out, it's more often the pilot than the plane. The Indian Air Force Walloped the USAF (and by the USAF's own admission) in a number of joint exercises over the years.

Top Gun was just frigging hollywood movie.

ORI

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 18:36 | 1076858 DoChenRollingBearing
DoChenRollingBearing's picture

Let´s hope we stay friends then!

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 18:57 | 1076938 falak pema
falak pema's picture

Ori, 

I was just making a play on words. Not cruising with Tom, Dick or Harry.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 19:00 | 1076939 falak pema
falak pema's picture

deleted, for double bubble.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:23 | 1075335 Deepskyy
Deepskyy's picture

Make that 13 Su-27s

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:29 | 1075352 Drag Racer
Drag Racer's picture

change that mig25 to mig23, they don't have enough oil to fuel 25s

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 20:04 | 1077128 SilverRhino
SilverRhino's picture

Interesting.   Qadaffi has 25 nuclear capable fast supersonic bombers?   TU-22 Blinders.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:52 | 1075188 AN0NYM0US
AN0NYM0US's picture

Colin Powell

 

"When I hear “limited” & “surgical”, I head for the bunker. "

 "Air strikes can’t guarantee changes; only ground troops can."

 

My American Journey, by Colin Powell, p. 561 Jan 1, 1995

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 15:40 | 1076104 cossack55
cossack55's picture

If memory serves, ole Colin was Ops officer (G3) of the 24th Inf Div and would have been one of the first in the chain of command to cover up Mi Lai.  Yeah, he knows all about what ground troops can do.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:52 | 1075189 praxis
praxis's picture

The Washgington Post reports it's a rebel jet shot down by rebel forces...or friendly fire.  They also report mosques are announcing on loud speakers for rebels in Benghazi not to attack jets because "they are their own." 

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:12 | 1075293 High Plains Drifter
Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:51 | 1075191 High Plains Drifter
High Plains Drifter's picture

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDNJ-idP2ik&NR=1

These criminal traitors sit there acting like they are important and are doing god's work. I can say one thing for sure. They are as controlled as any Amerikan leader is, although perhaps more so, and they make me sick to my stomach with their hypocrisy. I hope the Celts and the Picts and the Scots awaken and take back their land, and take care of business on this zuit suited rabble that is destroying their country at the behest of the City of London.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 14:42 | 1075909 newbee
newbee's picture

I'm with you HPD, this is about oil which we HAVE to have - nothing more nothing less.  The ME has it, the rest of us must have it to survive.  One problem though; if we stay true to the righteous cause and don't somehow control the world's access to oil, then are we prepared to suffer the consequences for not having oil readily available?  That's when a true WWIII with full on nuke use commences in my opinion.  This effort, however deplorable it is, truly is the much lesser of the two evils, at least for now...

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:52 | 1075195 The Axe
The Axe's picture

Dear, Twits on ZH    Without the French there would never have been a America!!  Long live Lafayette!!!!!!!!

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:55 | 1075207 Long-John-Silver
Long-John-Silver's picture

That was a long time ago by a people far different then today.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:57 | 1075223 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

Agreed, it's before the French became sniveling weasels.  They were just regular weasels back then

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:05 | 1075261 Rodent Freikorps
Rodent Freikorps's picture

LOL

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:32 | 1075652 GDE
GDE's picture

I didn't know Napoleon was a weasel...

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:38 | 1075681 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

More of a mink...oh wait...fink.  Nevermind.

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 13:58 | 1075775 Rodent Freikorps
Rodent Freikorps's picture

Beavers are rodents, and conservatives, you know?

Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:07 | 1075224 Boilermaker
Boilermaker's picture

...

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