What's Old is New Again

Let them be clear:

But Mrs. Clinton emphasized that the United States was not leading the effort. “We did not lead this,” she said. “We did not engage in unilateral actions in any way, but we strongly support the international community taking action against governments and leaders who behave as Qaddafi is unfortunately doing so now.”

Translation: this is not a BushCheneyBurton war for oil, no sir, regardless of BP's lucrative exploration contract with Gaddafi hanging in the balance (wonder how al-Megrahi is doing anyway). It's not a chickenhawk war against Islam, even if nobody calling the shots served. It's not an illegal war despite the lack of a congressional use of force mandate, because there are a lot of Europeans behind it, and the UN has approved. Matter of fact, America is so far removed from leading this action that our commander-in-chief didn't even bother to cancel his scheduled trip to Brazil. Our VP? Business as usual! Yawn!

Next question--will the press buy any of this, or will they take a more adult view of the situation?

Meanwhile, Gaddafi sent a warning letter to 'his son' Barack that bad things could happen if the US messes around in the sovereign nation he controls absolutely, reminding him of Libya's support in the War on Terror. Speaking of terror, everyone remembers Pan Am 103 but fewer Americans know about UTA 772:

On 19 September 1989, the UTA plane was bound for Paris from Congo Brazzaville in Central Africa.

It exploded over the Sahara desert in southern Niger killing all 170 people on board.

An examination of 15 tons of wreckage sent to France revealed traces of an explosive called pentrite in the forward hold. Then a dark grey Samsonite suitcase was found covered with a layer of pentrite. This was determined to be the source of the explosion. It had been loaded at Brazzaville.

Also found was a small piece of a green coloured circuit board which turned out to be a timing device.

It was traced back to Libya though a marketing company which, according to the document, had been asked to provide 100 of them for one of the Libyan defendants named in the lawsuit.

In other words, we may soon find out whether Quedaffy has any unconventional leverage anymore. He had formidable assets at one http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giftime, but he certainly seems isolated these days.

MORE 3/19/11

Here's an excerpt from the letter Gaddafi sent to British PM David Cameron:

You never have the right to intervene in our internal affairs. Who gave you this right? You will regret it if you dare to intervene in our country. Our country is not your country. We cannot fire a single bullet at our people.

And here's Louis Farrakhan, talking to Obama about the audacity of regime change (and blowback):

"I warn my brother do you let these wicked demons move you in a direction that will absolutely ruin your future with your people in Africa and throughout the world...Why don't you organize a group of respected Americans and ask for a meeting with Qaddafi, you can't order him to step down and get out, who the hell do you think you are?

Note the similarities and veiled threats. Additionally, in Gaddafi's letter to Obama he referred to him as his 'son', while Farrakhan calls Obama his 'my brother' and refers to 'your people in Africa', before launching into a nearly incoherent diatribe about connections to Wisconsin, Ohio and armed militias in America, something Gaddafi is also known for.