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Thursday, March 3, 2011

Singapore: US uses caution

PJ: Listening to the desires of the very people the US wishes to help might be the beginning of new relations in the region.

Straits Times

US signals caution about military intervention in Libya

WASHINGTON - THE United States on Wednesday signaled growing caution about military intervention in Libya while it raised fears that Al-Qaeda could gain a foothold if the north African nation descends into chaos.

In testimony to the US Senate, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned that any US intervention to help opponents of Muammar Gaddafi would be 'controversial' both within Libya and the broader Arab community.

She has said that Washington understands the Libyan opposition wants to 'be seen as doing this by themselves' as they seek ways to dislodge Gaddafi and his forces from the capital Tripoli and other areas they hold. In a speech on Wednesday, Gaddafi warned that 'thousands' would die if the West intervened to support the more than two-week old uprising against him.

The 22-member Arab League adopted a resolution on Wednesday appearing to oppose all foreign intervention in Libya before announcing later it would consider backing a no-fly zone over the fellow Arab country.

In her Senate testimony, Mrs Clinton underlined remarks from US defense leaders who said on Tuesday that imposing a no-fly zone would be 'extraordinarily' complex and that Nato has yet to agree on any military intervention there.

'There is a great deal of caution that is being exercised with respect to any actions that we might take other than in support of humanitarian missions,' the chief US diplomat said when asked about military options for Libya. -- AFP

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_640856.html

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