Foreign Policy Experts Urge President to Take Action to Halt Violence in Libya

Getty Images

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Forty-six former U.S. government officials, human rights and democracy advocates, and foreign policy experts expressed concern Tuesday regarding the ongoing crisis in Libya, urging President Obama to: urgently institute a no fly zone over key Libyan cities and towns, recognize the Libyan National Transitional Council, and explore the possibility of targeted strikes against Qaddafi regime assets.

The bipartisan group references the President’s statements from his inaugural address where he declared, “America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity.” Echoing the President’s words, the group notes that American inaction will lead to additional civilian causalities in Libya and will send the wrong message to those seeking freedom elsewhere.

Many of the signatories signed a previous letter to President Obama on February 25^th calling on the President to provide clear U.S. leadership on Libya and noting the danger of delay and indecisiveness.

The signatories include Foreign Policy Initiative Directors Eric Edelman, Robert Kagan, William Kristol, and Dan Senor as well as former human rights and foreign policy officials and other experts. 

About The Foreign Policy Initiative (FPI)

FPI is a non-profit, non-partisan, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. FPI seeks to promote an active U.S. foreign policy committed to robust support for democratic allies, human rights, a strong American military equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and strengthening America's global economic competitiveness. The organization was founded in 2009 and is led by Executive Director Jamie Fly. FPI’s Board of Directors consists of Eric Edelman, Robert Kagan, William Kristol, and Dan Senor. Visit our website at www.foreignpolicyi.org for more information.

For additional information or to arrange an interview with Jamie Fly, Foreign Policy Initiative Executive Director, please contact Randan Swindler at (202) 296-3322 or rswindler@foreignpolicyi.org.

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC  

March 15, 2011

Dear President Obama:

Regrettably, the international community has yet to take serious action to prevent a moral and humanitarian catastrophe in Libya and the Libyan opposition is now on the defensive.  As forces loyal to Muammar Qaddafi push eastward, we are concerned that the brutal and indiscriminate tactics of government forces could lead to additional civilian casualties. 

On Saturday, the Arab League endorsed Libyan opposition calls for a no fly zone.  We call on you to urgently institute a no fly zone over key Libyan cities and towns in conjunction with U.S. allies.  We also call on you to explore the option of targeted strikes against regime assets in an effort to prevent further bloodshed.  The United States should also immediately recognize the Libyan National Transitional Council and take all necessary actions to support their efforts to unseat the Qaddafi regime.

In your inaugural address two years ago, you said this: "And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born:  Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more."

Today the United States and its allies should stand with the men, women and children of Libya who seek a future of peace and dignity.  The situation in Libya in the coming days will not just impact the Libyan people.  As protests continue against repressive regimes around the world, the message currently being conveyed by our inaction is that killing and repression will go unpunished and are the best option for despots seeking to postpone reform. 

For the sake of our security as well as America’s credibility with people who seek freedom everywhere, we ask you to act as quickly as possible to ensure that the people of Libya – and the world – know that we are willing to back up our principles with action.

Sincerely,

- Download a PDF copy of this letter