USA_ US House targets Obama over Libya war

US House targets Obama over Libya war

By Washington correspondent Craig McMurtrie, wires
Updated 2 hours 16 minutes ago


The White House says now is not the time to let up on Moamar Gaddafi. (Reuters: Goran Tomasevic)

In a snub to US president Barack Obama, the House of Representatives has rejected a resolution authorising American military operations in Libya.

In a lopsided result, dozens of Democrats joined Republicans to vote down authorisation for US operations in Libya.

The administration argued that the limited US mission, which still involves drone strikes, does not rise to the level of hostilities requiring congressional approval.

The Republican-led House voted 123-295, largely along party lines, to reject the resolution endorsing US involvement in the NATO-led mission.

In resoundingly rejecting that argument, the House demonstrated the depth of anger on Capitol Hill over the president's refusal to seek approval.

"We probably would have had ... pretty broad support here in the Congress for the action that was taken by the president if there had been early authorisation," said representative David Dreier, a Republican.

"I think Democrats and Republicans alike acknowledge that this has been very, very poorly handled."

While embarrassing for the White House, the vote is largely symbolic.

The House stopped short of trying to bar US forces from continuing to carry out air strikes.

A later move to cut off funding for the mission was also rejected.

Speaker John Boehner says he respects the president's war power authority.

"But it does not free the president from accountability to the American people," he said.

The White House says it is disappointed by the vote to reject authorisation for US military operations in Libya.


Mixed message

The White House, however, says the vote sends a mixed message to allies.

A spokesman told reporters now is not the time to let up on Libyan leader Moamar Gaddafi.

The administration argues the US only has a limited role in supporting NATO.

The congressional action was another warning to Mr Obama about growing discontent among lawmakers after a decade of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that has cost more than $US1 trillion and has helped fuel a $US1.4 trillion budget deficit.

Since NATO took over the Libya operation on March 31, the United States has conducted 755 strike sorties, including 119 in which the planes actually fired at targets. Thirty-nine of the strikes involved the use of drone aircraft.

Politicians who supported US participation in the mission against Mr Gaddafi warned that rejection of the measure and approval of curbs on US military involvement could damage the UN-authorised operation.

"We have a responsibility to our allies," said Democratic representative Alcee Hastings.

"As long as we are continuing to supply logistics, material and critical intelligence and operational capabilities and no boots are on the ground, we must support our allies who are carrying out the direct combat operations. We must stand with NATO."

Meanwhile, Mr Gaddafi is reportedly mulling leaving Tripoli after blistering NATO air raids, as the rebels hinted they may let him stay in Libya if he quits.

The Wall Street Journal quoted a senior US national security official as saying American intelligence shows Mr Gaddafi "doesn't feel safe anymore" in the capital where he has ruled for more than four decades.

However, officials told the paper they did not see the move as imminent and did not believe Mr Gaddafi would leave Libya, a key demand of rebels battling his forces.

The leader is believed to have numerous safe houses and other facilities both within and outside Tripoli where he could go.

- ABC/Reuters/AFP

Tags: world-politics, unrest-conflict-and-war, libya, united-states
First posted 2 hours 37 minutes ago

Related Story: Gaddafi accuses NATO of civilian murders

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Các anh chị nghĩ thế nào về việc độc tài Gadhafi "accuses NATO of civilian murders"?

Và các anh chị nghĩ thế nào, có ý kiến hay phê bình gì về thái độ của chính phủ Mỹ trong vấn đề Mỹ "can thiệp" vào cuộc chiến Libya qua bài viết cũng như tin tức liên quan trong bài " US House targets Obama over Libya war" ???


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Kính chúc Sức Khỏe Quý Anh Chị .


conbenho
Tiểu Muội quantu
Nguyễn Hoài Trang
25062011
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