U.S. Must Define Goals of Libyan Intervention

Now that the United States has decided to join a coalition of nations to act against Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, it has to decide what it hopes to accomplish with the mission, who will call the shots and what ongoing role it will play.

President Barack Obama remains cautious in committing the United States beyond its initial assistance in neutralizing Gadhafi's air defenses. The president has said he intends to turn over control of the operation to either France or Britain, or perhaps both.

Both Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Adm. Mike Mullen have defined the role of the operation as protecting citizens from Gadhafi's wrath, but that leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Mullen suggested that Gadhafi could possibly remain in power after the action is complete.

That, however, would seem to run counter to the goal of protecting the Libyan people. Given Gadhafi's murderous history, it's hard to imagine the rebellious citizens would be safe for long if he remains in office.

Gadhafi must go, as Obama has rightly said. But this operation seems to lack a leader who can make that call.

The United Nations belatedly authorized the action but did not assume responsibility for its direction.

For the moment, then, there's no discernible plan beyond this initial stage and no one in charge of developing one.

Part of the reluctance to commit to ousting Gadhafi is the uncertainty of who composes the rebel forces. It is quite possible that the new government eventually will be as bad as the old.

That's why it is important that this be more than just a military campaign. Work must be done within the country by the United States and its allies to help build a responsible and stable replacement for the Gadhafi regime. They can't just bomb some air bases and satellite towers and step away.

Obama is understandably reluctant to plunge fully into Libya. The United States is still neck deep in Iraq and Afghanistan. Still, this is a situation that demands leadership. While France, Britain and even some Arab nations have committed to shouldering the military burden, the coalition will not hang together without someone in charge.

The United States remains the world's only true superpower. That comes with certain responsibilities. It doesn't have to be the world's policeman. But like it or not, when the world does decide to act, as it has in Libya, it requires that the United States lead.

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