Clinton said the United Nations resolution authorizing force against Gadhafi was broad, but included nothing “about getting rid of anybody.”
At the same time, Clinton said it is “highly unlikely” a stable and peaceful Libya can be established with Gadhafi in power. She also said the U.S. mission was intended to give insurgents fighting Gadhafi a “level playing field” and a “much better chance” at toppling the dictator. [emphasis added]
Are you freaking kidding me? We launched a
When you go to war to help someone, you should go to war to help them win--as quickly as they can consistent with our means and objectives.
Intervening just to "level the playing field" will just lead to angering the enemy a little and ultimately alienating our supposed allies who will rightly resent fighting and dying for a draw or to bleed the enemy. It is a smart diplomatic strategy ripe for pissing off both sides. Now that's nuance!
I've said it before on Libya (and Iran, and others) and I'll say it again, when you strike a king, kill him.
UPDATE: Thanks to Mad Minerva for the link.