Obama Pledge to Scale Back U.S. Military Role in Libya Opens Leadership 'Vacuum'
Published March 22, 2011
| FoxNews.com
President Obama's pledge to scale back the U.S. military's role in Libya has opened up a leadership vacuum on the world stage, as international partners squabble over who should take the reins once the opening round of missile strikes is over.
The president and his top military officials have been decidedly vague in talking about who will take over for Americans forces currently leading the air assault, though Obama said a transition will occur "in a matter of days."
Some leaders think NATO is the obvious choice to lead, but Turkey has objected and France -- which has been out in front of the crisis -- is making a play for political leadership of the mission.
The confusion, compounded by mixed messages over whether Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi is a target for removal, raises questions about the direction of the alliance and the ability of the United States to step down from its leadership role in the near future.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a vocal advocate for the no-fly zone, told Fox News he hopes the French and British can take the lead.