[Kobi]

From what I can understand, it seems what is happening in Libya is
different from the revolutions that have toppled other dictators
in the region lately. In those other revolts, masses of people were
rioting, those guarding the dictator defected, there was a clear
intent of numbers wanting something different. And, they didnt need
NATO or anyone else to come to their rescue.

Libya seems different to me. This seems like a distinct group of rebels - not masses of people, perhaps trying to take advantage of the successful revolts in other countries. The military forces havent abandoned their leader, and are continuing to squash the rebels which seem to be in one area of the country. I dont see masses of people revolting all over the country.

Bad things are happening. Bad things happen in any revolt and in attempts to quell a revolt. It's a matter of perspective and collateral losses.

But, I am wondering if this is a clear cut revolution or if it is international powers, conveniently, banding together to get rid of another pita dictator.

And, it irks me when NATO decides IT needs to step in....IT meaning can it twist the arm of the USA to expend billion of dollars we dont have in forces and equipment to do NATO's bidding.

And for what reason? We, as a country, have stuck our head in the sand when we know and have evidence of ethnic cleansings going on in other countries. So, what is it about Libya that is of significance to the USA to the point we would allow ourselves to be dragged into this?

When I watched Obama's speech yesterday trying to justify what was and might be done, I had to shake off the feeling there was a caricature of Bush on one of his shoulders and Cheney on the other.

For a man who ran on a platform of "change", it never occurred to me that "change" was synonymous to "status quo".