US commander (Mike Mullen) warns of Libya stalemate

[Turborama]

Source: Al Jazeera English

Mike Mullen says ousting Gaddafi is not the goal of the military operation in Libya, but a no-fly zone is now in place.
Last Modified: 20 Mar 2011 18:08

Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, has said the military operation in Libya called for by the UN Security Council is not aimed at regime change - adding that a "stalemate" could well exist, leaving Muammar Gaddafi in power.

The 64-year-old admiral also said that no-fly zone had "effectively been established", as Gaddafi's planes had not taken to the skies following Saturday's overnight shelling of dozens of targets in northern Libya.

Anti-aircraft fire was also heard in the Libyan capital on Sunday night, indicating a second wave of incoming jets. Tracer rounds and machine-gun fire was also heard, though there has been no confirmation yet of further attacks.

"In the first 24 hours, operations have established the no-fly zone. French air planes are over Benghazi as we speak and will do that on a 24/7 basis. The operations have taken out some ground forces near Benghazi, taken out air defences, some of his control nodes, some of his airfields, I don’t have all damage assessments, but so far very very effective," he said.

Read more: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2011/03/201132015244765379.html

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More details and video report at the link.

[Aerows]

1. Stalemate...

...is what I think many are concerned about. A stalemate implies that there is only stability based upon the fact that both forces have the ability to hold onto key positions to prevent victory. Stalemates are not an "end". They are the source of military buildups, and can drag on for years.

[neoralme]

4. At a cost of billions............ We are ending exactly like Rome

sss

[xchrom]

2. What's the price tag for a stale mate? Nt

[David__77]

3. I think it's clear what he thinks of this nonsense.

Gates too. There are a few sane people in Washington. When the war fever calms down a bit maybe some others will sober up.

[amandabeech]

5. Yes, like John Kerry.

He was awfully shrill on MTP today in defense of this military action.

I love Levin most of the time, but he tends to be a hawk in Middle East conflicts. I think that the area is a sink-hole for us aside from humanitarian aid in a locally-led (and I mean really locally led) action.

[meow mix]

6. a stalemate is not really an option for ghadaffi

his loyalists are already deserting him, theyll fall apart from the inside

[provis99]

7. Mullen has a habit of plainly speaking the truth.

Wonder how long before the administration does a Shinseki on him?

[faz]

8. One of the future scenarios

There probably would be a few slower, older USAF planes got shot down by the Libyans in the near future. The pilots were captured and dragged on the street.

Then American public would become very angry after news were heard from CNN and FOX News.

Then the US invasion of Libya would start.

[daleo]

9. Warns of stalemate ----> can't afford stalemate ----> U.S.&NATO troops invade

It won't take long.