Hillary Clinton In Libya (Surprise Visit)To Offer New Aid Package

[KoKo]

Hillary Clinton In Libya To Offer New Aid Package

TRIPOLI, Libya — The Obama administration offered millions of dollars in new aid to Libya as Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton encouraged the country's unsteady new leadership to commit to a democratic future free of retribution, and acknowledged in unusually blunt terms that the United States would like to see former dictator Moammar Gadhafi dead.

"We hope he can be captured or killed soon so that you don't have to fear him any longer," Clinton told students and others at a town hall-style gathering in the capital city.

Until now, the U.S. has generally avoided saying that Gadhafi should be killed.

U.S. officials usually say they want to see him brought to justice, something Clinton also said during her daylong visit.

"I am proud to stand here on the soil of a free Libya," Clinton said. "The United States was proud to stand for you in your fight for freedom and we will continue to stand with you as you continue this journey."

She met with the leader of Libya's Transitional National Council, Mahmoud Jibril, and offered about $11 million in additional aid. The fresh aid boosts Washington's contribution since the uprising against Gadhafi began in February to roughly $135 million.

The new aid package includes medical aid for wounded fighters and additional assistance to secure weaponry that many fear could fall into the hands of terrorists. Aides said the money is meant partly as a pledge to ongoing U.S. support during what will be a difficult passage to free elections and a new government after four decades of dictatorship.

More at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/18/clinton-libya-aid-package_n_1017248.html

[lib2DaBone]

1. What do we want from Lybia?

We spent Billions in Iraq.. only to give away the oil leases.

Now we are spending Billions in Lybia.. for what?

[joshcryer]

3. Around a billion so far, hasn't hit 2 billion by any stretch.

Last estimates were around $700 million for initial strikes, and $50 million a month thereafter. So it's closer to $750 million.

A lot of teachers salaries, no doubt, but it comes out of Pentagon discretionary spending, so it was already ear-marked.

So no, we are not "spending billions in Libya."

[SkyDaddy7]

4. Maybe a stable democratic country where...

terrorism is not welcome? That would be a good start. We are not there for oil.

STABILITY!

[msongs]

2. Obama and Clinton have become the New Perry Twins nt

[Beacool]

5. These kinds of trips make me nervous for her safety.

I remember when she insisted on going to Tahrir Square in Cairo. People were coming up to her to talk and shake her hand. Wolf Blitzer went on that trip and blogged how nervous he was for her safety and that he thought that she had "guts" for going.

She's also rumored to be going to Pakistan. Not happy about that trip either.

:(