[MERIT]

I guess I did miss the headline, seeing as how it hasn't been mentioned ANYWHERE in this discussion thus far, by you or anyone else.

I'm assuming that THIS is the article you're referring to, which was only posted online less than ONE F*CKING HOUR ago:
US, Allies Attack Libya | Africa | English

Seeing as how the UN has no army to enforce it's sanctions, it looks like it is relying on the US, UK, France, Italy, and Canada to do so.

While this is not an ideal situation, I still don't think that I would go so far as to call this "starting new sh*t," seeing as how the US is INTERVENING in an ALREADY ONGOING conflict.

OccultHawk

Come on man, you're grasping for straws.

[MERIT]

Really? How so?

Buzzov*en

It is starting new **** since we only have one reason to intervene. Oil.

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[MERIT]

The US will always intervene in other countries' affairs when it comes down to the most 'necessary' of commodities (with "necessary" meaning that which lines Obama's pockets with the most money).

You said that Obama is "starting new sh*t." You are wrong. He's trying his hand at meddling in other people's sh*t. It's ignorant to argue semantics, so let's not do that.

We don't need another war, we can't afford to pay our teachers or military personnel what they deserve as it is.

Gaddafi's regime needs to crumble. The Libyans are fighting for basic human rights: food, water, education, representation in government, equality, etc. Things that most of us in the western world take for granted.

It is always about the oil, but hopefully the people of Libya will get a fair deal as well. Some humanity for the opressed would be nice.

Buzzov*en

Actually you are the one arguing semantics. So take your own advice and don't do it. I can't take hypocrites seriously.

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[MERIT]

Jesus f*cking Christ, you're a child. The core of your argument is that we don't need any more war, I'm AGREEING with you, and you still don't even comprehend it.

And how am I a hypocrite? I did say that the Gadahfi regime needs to come down (seeing as how they outright refuse to abide by UN mandates and sanctions). That is something I strongly believe in. I also strongly believe that the US cannot afford another war.

The US has chosen to help enforce the UN's ceasefire, along with Canada, UK, and France. I don't hear you criticizing British PM David Cameron or French president Nicolas Sarkozy. Who's the hypocrite?

Learn how to phrase your opinions in a better way, you'll have less resistance from those who basically f*cking agree with you in the first place.

Ben Butler

The whole situation in Libya is a farce. It isn't right what Gaddafi is doing killing his own citizens but I don't agree with us intervening. There has to be something in it for us like oil and France obviously have links with a lot of African countries. I just question whether it's any of our business what's going on over there and if we're making the situation worse.

I don't agree with wars, there are so many things similar to Iraq here, do we learn our lessons? I also hope the reports aren't true about us killing Libyan citizens because then we would be as bad as Gaddafi. We shouldn't be wasting our money on this when there's things in our own country to address. Cameron is no different to the rest of them, all as bad as each other.

Buzzov*en

Again being a hypocrite. Just because you are being an ass and tried to argue a technicallity does not mean my the way I worded my opinion was bad. Stop being such an angry little man and grow up. I criticize Obama more so than the others since I am from the US and since we have have had conflicts with Iraq, and Afghanistan. I already explained how you are a hypcorite. Please learn the meaning of the word before you use it because I am not one for not criticizing the other leaders on here.

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[MERIT]

I am not arguing technicalities. Pardon me for assuming that you mean the words that you say. You're getting too butthurt to realize that everyone here is (for the most part) on the same page.

Back to the topic at hand. Oil or no oil, the UN has decided to sanction Gadhafi. As the greatest military and economic power in the free world, it seems that the US has chosen to lead the cause on behalf of the rest of the international community (as we always do). Like I've already said, and I'll put this plainly and simply for you: I AGREE THAT THIS IS A BAD IDEA. Just like you. See? No one is against you, no one is attacking you. It's pretty much a concensus at this point. Okay?

Maintaining a no-fly zone in Libya has been projected to cost the US between $300M and $1B per WEEK (according to the latest MSNBC reports). With the biggest deficit in the history of the world, our goverment has no business spending this kind of money. And money aside, we must decide if it is the right thing to do, morally speaking. I myself find it hard to stand by while others are suffering. I believe that this type of empathy is a common trait amongst most Americans. I feel that America is trying to be the hero in the situation. They let the Libyans be oppressed and murdered, and then swoop in with Tomahawk cruise missiles and B-2 bombers to clean house.

So that leaves us between a rock and a hard place. Do we sit by and let this happen without intervening? As a chief nation in the UN, doing nothing to help impose their mandates would most definitely make the US look weak and uncaring. Or do we intervene (which is the course that Obama has chosen)? In terms of pacifying the international community, it seems to be the right thing to do. But on a personal and common-sensical level, like I said, I disagree that this is something that the US needs to be involved in.

Libya produces about 2% of the world's oil. This year, crude oil has gone from around $86 per barrell to around $105. Saudi Arabia and Venezuela have already agreed to produce/export more to make up for the decline in supply caused by the conflict in Libya. So oil or not, the US will survive. In my city, gas is already $3.29/gal. We attacked Iraq for oil and we still payed out the ass for gasoline. While oil is a clear motive in the situation, I think that the US trying to dominate the modern Islamic world is also good motivation. As always, it boils down to either money, religion, or sex. Our government wants all the money, they want you to pray to their God, and in the end, we all get f*cked.