Brown, however, was more circumspect. In a statement released by his office, the Republican said he backed the “limited humanitarian mission originally described by President Obama,’’ but added “if the use of military force is going to be expanded, the president needs to clearly explain our goals and strategy to the American people and Congress.’’
Although Obama has said regime change in Libya is not a primary goal of the intervention, he has authorized the use of Predator drone strikes, and direct attacks against the government power structure are increasing.
Libyan government officials lashed out at NATO yesterday, saying a bombing raid on Khadafy’s headquarters in Tripoli amounted to an assassination attempt. A government spokesman said that Khadafy was not injured.
Meanwhile, Khadafy’s forces continued their shelling of the rebel-held city of Misurata, killing at least 10 people and overwhelming hospitals.
The pattern of attacks, retreat, and counterattacks of both the rebels and government forces has decimated several towns and villages, killing hundreds of civilians.
Senators John McCain of Arizona, a Republican who just returned from visiting the rebels in eastern Libya, and Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, an independent, joined Graham in saying the United States and NATO must provide either decisive firepower from air attacks or weapons and training for the ill-equipped, fragmented rebels.
Brown’s comments, however, indicated a reluctance to escalate the conflict without a further statement from the Obama administration.
While Brown was initially cautious about imposing a US-led no-fly zone over Libya, he has generally stood by the administration’s actions.
Christopher A. Preble, director of foreign policy studies at the libertarian Cato Institute, said Brown has successfully walked a line between those advocating an interventionist position and those opposing it.
