Reply #22: Now that's a serious question. Not mine, though.

[aquart]

I simply asked if Dems, as opposed to Republicans, want Gaddafi to live.

But yours is a much deeper, more strategic question. I like it.

Have we determined if this is a "civil war"? Which factions are fighting each other? Which are allied? Is there anyone on Gaddafi's side that is fit and ready to assume control if he falls? Would that make it worse? For whom?

Would the hired mercenaries lay down their arms if Gaddafi is killed? Who would that leave in the fight?

And if the answer to all of that is...cut off the head and the dragon stops cold...what would you say then?

BTW, I don't think it would stop the fighting. It would simply move up the timeline of the power struggle. This sort of thing is never smooth. Tunisia isn't sorted. Neither is Egypt. They are both at the beginning.

So, do we want Gaddafi to live?