July 2011 Archives

Did the Obama administration make the right decision to formally recognize Libya's opposition movement as the country's legitimate government? How significant is this step? Has Muammar el-Qaddafi's hold on power weakened so much that funneling money and diplomatic aid to the rebels will finally bring about his ouster?

U.S. recognition could clear the way for the administration to provide the cash-starved rebels access to some of the roughly $34 billion in Qaddafi-related funds frozen months. Should the U.S. unfreeze some of the funds? If so, should the money be used for weapons, or should it be limited to providing non-lethal supplies?

5 responses: Sydney J. Freedberg Jr., Paul Sullivan, Wayne White, Sydney J. Freedberg Jr., Michael Brenner

On his first trip overseas as Defense secretary, Leon Panetta expressed his frustration with the Iraqi leadership's failure to make a decision on whether or not to ask U.S. troops to remain in the country past the end of the year. Is it in the U.S. national interest to keep troops in the country past the deadline? If so, should Washington push Iraq for an extension by delaying pending weapons sales or other financial assistance? How would a decision to extend the U.S. presence be received within Iraq?

10 responses: Larry Korb, Sydney J. Freedberg Jr., Col. W. Patrick Lang, Michael Brenner, Robert Baer, Col. W. Patrick Lang, Michael Brenner, Wayne White, Sydney J. Freedberg Jr., Ron Marks