Natalie Gonnella
While the Obama Administraton dithers over a decision on Libya, a number of Republicans continue to push for action. Yesterday, freshman Congressman and former Air Force pilot Adam Kinzinger joined those in favor of no-fly zone, urging the White House to demonstrate to the world that the US is committed to defending freedom, democracy and human rights across the globe.
In a letter to President Obama, Kinzinger expressed his concerns for the people of Libya, and his belief (backed by his own experience serving in the Middle East) that a no-fly zone would greatly assist those fighting for freedom, protecting thousands of innocent lives. In an effort to accelerate humanitarian and diplomatic outreach to those standing against Qaddafi, in his letter Kinzinger also called on the State Department to formally recognize the Interim Transitional National Council as "the legitimate governing body" of the opposition movement.
One of the few freshman to speak out on the situation and one of the first to formally back efforts to implement a no-fly zone over Libya, here's a look at Congressman Kinzinger's recent letter:
Dear President Obama:
The United States can no longer stand by and watch the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Libya. Every day the violence increases as the Qaddafi regime continues to assault the Libyan people. The world is watching the people of Libya courageously fighting for their freedom and basic human rights. The world also watches as we do nothing to stop the slaughter.
As a military pilot with tours in the Middle East, I believe the United States can protect the Libyan people from air attacks through the institution of a no-fly zone. Following the Gulf War of 1991 and the slaughter of the Iraqi people, the United States and our allies enforced no-fly zones over northern and southern Iraq. A similar no-fly zone over Libya could be created via our naval forces in the Mediterranean and Air Force assets in Italy and Turkey.
The Qaddafi regime is destroying the very nation it has plundered, and our economic sanctions will not stop the massacre of the Libyan people. The New York Times reports U.S. Intelligence officials estimate the Qaddafi regime has stockpiled tens of billions of dollars, which are now being used to pay segments of the military, security forces, and African mercenaries to kill those who resist tyranny. While our sanctions, in concert with the European communities, have frozen an unprecedented amount of overseas assets, those alone may be unable to stop the bloodshed given the regime's cash reserves.
After forty years of dictatorship, the people of Libya are seeking self-determination and popular sovereignty. The Interim Transitional National Council should be recognized by the State Department as a legitimate governing body for the opposition. Such recognition will hasten the diplomatic and humanitarian outreach so desperately needed by those fighting for their lives and country.
Mr. President, America must show leadership to end the violence. I strongly encourage you to demonstrate to the world that the United States stands with the people of Libya and, above all, for freedom.
Sincerely,
Adam Kinzinger
Member of Congress
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