U.S. Fears Libyan Rebels Set Up for Defeat Without Greater Western Intervention -- FOX News
Fresh battlefield setbacks by rebels seeking to oust Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi are hardening a U.S. view that the poorly equipped opposition is probably incapable of prevailing without decisive Western intervention -- either an all-out U.S.-led military assault on regime forces or a decision to arm the rebels.
Qaddafi is reaching deeper into his military ranks to send reinforcements onto the battlefield, has adopted new, unconventional tactics to counter the effects of coalition airstrikes, and apparently is convinced he can retain power by gradually retaking a degree of control of eastern Libya, a senior U.S. intelligence official said Wednesday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence on the condition and capabilities of regime and rebel forces.
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My Comment: With the growing realization that the rebels are no match for Gaddafi's military, alternative strategies are now being explored to make sure that the fight on the battle field will change in favor of the rebels.
Talk of bolstering the rebel army with private armies (i.e. mercenaries), sending in the CIA, and even supplying the rebels with weapons over Sec. of State Clinton's denials and the objections of a key Congressman .... this is what is now making the rounds among key policy advisers on what to do in Libya.
My prediction .... inevitably there will be boots on the ground from the West in confronting and wiping out Gadaffi. The question that needs to be asked is .... whose boots on the ground will they belong to.