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Detailing the 2-part investigative report he co-authored with Jo Becker, Scott Shane of the NY Times discusses their findings on what Obama called a “51-49” decision to join the NATO effort that led to regime change in Libya.You can read part one here, and part two here.
The reports provide strong substantiation for the arguments advance here for several years by your humble host. Clinton’s strong advocacy for the attacks on Libya and taking out Qaddafi are confirmed by many on-the-record comments, and her aides tried to capitalize politically after Qaddafi was killed. But like other interventions, the messy aftermath was not adequately considered.
We cover a wide range of topics, including the roles of top administration officials like Biden and Gates (opposed) and Power and Clinton (in favor). We talk about their reaction to the Arab Spring, especially in Egypt, and how the lessons of Libya have informed Obama’s cautious approach to Syria.