Sen Diane Feinstein's reply to my message on Libya support | Off the Strip for free thinkers and adventurers

Sen Diane Feinstein’s reply to my message on Libya support

A Point of View, Libya, Middle East & North Africa, Military, Politics | Sandra | July 13, 2011 at 14:44

Thank you for writing to express your views about international military operations in Libya. I appreciate hearing your position on this issue and welcome the opportunity to respond.

Please know that I support the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-led efforts to enforce a no-fly zone and arms embargo over Libya aimed at protecting civilian populations from Colonel Muammar Qaddafi’s forces. These actions have been authorized by the United Nations (UN) Security Council, and came in response to a request for assistance from the Arab League. Colonel Qaddafi had vowed to hunt down his opponents like “rats” and exterminate them. In my opinion, the international community had to step in to prevent such atrocities from occurring.

The U.S. military has assumed a supporting role in this mission. The President has stated there will be no U.S. “boots on the ground,” and I agree with that decision. Further, while the President has called on Qaddafi to go, a position I share, we agree this is beyond the UN Security Council Resolution and beyond our military operations. While it remains unclear how international involvement in Libya will end, the Administration and Congress continue to discuss the most appropriate course for U.S. involvement going forward. Be assured that I have noted your views and will keep them in mind during this process.

Again, thank you for writing. I hope you will continue to write on matters of importance to you. If you should have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to call my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein

United States Senator (CA)