Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- Mach 9, 2011

Libyan rebel fighters fire an anti-aircraft gun near Sirte. Photograph: Goran Tomasevic/Reuters

What Are Pros And Cons Of A No-Fly Zone Over Libya? -- Anna Mulrine, Christian Science Monitor

As some Congressional leaders urges military intervention in Libya, the Pentagon emphasizes the difficulty of implementing a no-fly zone or other proposed military solutions.

While Congressional leaders have been calling for the Obama administration to intervene in Libya, Pentagon officials have demurred.

“There’s a lot of, frankly, loose talk about some of these military options,” Defense Secretary Robert Gates told the House Appropriations Committee. “Let’s just call a spade a spade. A no-fly zone begins with an attack on Libya to destroy the air defenses. That’s the way you do a no-fly zone.”

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Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

Washington Loses Control Of the Middle East -- Hossein Askari, The National Interest

Belarus: We must not be distracted from this brutality -- Tom Stoppard, The Independent

Lebanon's revolution waylaid by the old sectarian demons -- Michael Young, The National

A new Iran policy in the new Middle East -- Lord Tony Clarke, The Independent

The Shark Stops Swimming: Iran's supreme leader has just ousted his most formidable rival. Are the Islamic Republic's political games over? Or are they just beginning? -- Barbara Slavin, Foreign Policy

Mr. Obama's Gitmo order is a half step in the right direction -- Washington Post editorial

Islamic radicalism: The questions that Rep. Peter King is right to ask -- Ruth Marcus, Washington Post

Don't Use U.S. Force in Libya! -- Leslie H. Gelb, The Daily Beast
On Libya, too many questions -- George Will, Washington Post
Analysts: Libya Faces Possible Military Stalemate -- Voice of America
Considerations on Libya -- Steven T. Brothers, Small Wars Journal
Analysis: Where are Libya's rebels getting their weapons from? -- BBC
The Logic of Talking and Fighting in Libya -- Tony Karon, Time
ANALYSIS-West wins some backing for Libya zone, needs more -- Reuters

In Afghanistan, U.S. 'civilian surge' falls short in building local government -- Josh Boak, Washington Post
Afghan Exit Strategy Relies on Tribal Police Units -- FOX News
Putting Afghan Plan Into Action Proves Difficult -- C. J. Chivers, New York Times
Decision Time in Afghanistan -- Patrick Seale, The Diplomat
The ISAF Bubble -- Joshua Foust, Registan
A former Marine tells why the war in Afghanistan won't succeed -- Tony Perry, Kansas City/Los Angeles Times