Reply #53: Escalation in Libya hinted as NATO allies vow to build ‘pressure’ on Gadhafi

[pinboy3niner]

Source: The Globe and Mail

Graeme Smith
Istanbul— Globe and Mail Update

Published Friday, Apr. 15, 2011 8:13AM EDT
Last updated Friday, Apr. 15, 2011 8:19AM EDT



It's only part of a sentence, a vague declaration of intent, but Libya's rebels will be pleased with one specific phrase in the open letter published on Friday by the leaders of Britain, France and the United States.


The text repeated many of the familiar warnings that Colonel Moammar Gadhafi must leave power, and reiterated the NATO mission to protect civilians. “However,” the letter adds, “so long as Gadhafi is in power, NATO and its coalition partners must maintain their operations so that civilians remain protected and the pressure on the regime builds.”


It's the last part of the sentence, suggesting an escalation in efforts against Col. Gadhafi, that will encourage the rebels. They have been calling for stronger military action in a variety of forms: deployment of U.S. ground-attack aircraft, such as A-10 Warthogs or AC-130 Spectre gunships; supplies of anti-tank missiles capable of defeating Col. Gadhafi's upgraded T-72 tanks; even, optimistically, the use of NATO attack helicopters.

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http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/africa-mideast/escalation-in-libya-hinted-as-nato-allies-vow-to-build-pressure-on-gadhafi/article1986646/