American and European forces are hitting locations around Tripoli, but the U.S. says it is not specifically targeting Colonel Muammar Qaddafi. And as the fighting headed into its fourth day, the campaign shifted from efforts to win control of Libyan airspace to targeting the regime’s ground forces.
Libyan officials claim there have been 64 civilian deaths as result of Western attacks, though that figure hasn’t been confirmed. And many wonder who will be held accountable on the allied side. “No partner in this coalition wants to assume the leadership of fighting this campaign,” read an editorial in Monday’s Guardian. “The Americans are hiding behind the Europeans, and both are using the Arab League as cover. But whether they like it or not, each country involved will bear responsibility for how this ends. It may not be pretty.”
The Times:
The Arab League’s outgoing chairman, Amr Moussa, told Egyptian state media that he was calling for an emergency league meeting to discuss the chaotic situation in the Arab world, and particularly Libya.
“What is happening in Libya differs from the aim of imposing a no-fly zone, and what we want is the protection of civilians and not the bombardment of more civilians,” said Moussa.
The Atlantic’s James Fallows, in a Sunday column, expressed concern that there is no defined exit plan:
Libya: Shifting sands [Guardian UK]
On Libya: ‘What Happens Then?’ [Atlantic]
Allies Target Qaddafi’s Ground Forces as Libyan Rebels Regroup [NYT]
Western powers strike Libya; Arab League has doubts [Reuters]
