Spotlight on the Arab World

By ZACHARY BLANCHARD

In regards to his Conservative move to involve the U.S. in the Arab Spring revolts, President Obama said that America's current "short-term interests do not align perfectly with our long-term vision... But we can— and will— speak out for a set of core principles." These principles include freedom of speech, press, and religion, all of which are rights granted to Americans. In his address back in May, Obama makes it apparent that U.S. involvement in Arab Spring is not an expansion of war efforts, but rather an effort to offer the stability of democracy and freedom. What about America’s own stability?

There is bipartisan agreement in Congress that Obama should have received their approval before getting involved in Libya. It is not that everyone in Congress is against involvement; it is that they believe Obama was unconstitutional, violating the War Powers Act of 1973. Obama was quick to become involved in Libya, making Congress and citizens alike ask, “Why?” Obama’s quick reaction is reason to believe that his intentions could be more than just humanitarian efforts. Many see it as America sticking their nose where they don’t need to, once again.



President Obama authorized 25 million dollars in nonlethal assistance to the rebels and 53 million dollars in humanitarian aid. This added to the $1.2 trillion spent on the military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan already. All of which increases our country’s growing deficit. On top of that, Obama authorized that money without full Congressional approval, making us realize that not only are we in economic distress, but Democracy is too.

The intent is to supposedly aid the civilians while preparing for attack, in the event that Gadhafi doesn’t implement a ceasefire on attacks against civilians. We are spending all this money for a “just in case” situation. Meanwhile the U.S. and NATO are enforcing a no-fly zone that cost anywhere between 400 and 800 million just to initiate. It is not money that is being spent to protect our national security, but rather to aid a country that does not even really know what they are fighting for.

The U.S. involvement in Libya was initiated unconstitutionally, is increasing the national deficit, and is not in our country’s best interest. In an attempt to look good in the global spotlight, America is continuing their involvement while other countries such as Italy and Norway are withdrawing the troops and planes they provided for NATO airstrikes. With other countries reconsidering their decision, it is time for the United States to do the same.