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US official: Al Qaeda no. 2 killed In Pakistan

Natalie Gonnella
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In another major blow to Al Qaeda, a senior US official says the terrorist group's second-in-command (Atiyah Abd al-Rahman) has been killed in Pakistan. CBS News reports:

Al Qaeda's second-in-command, Atiyah Abd al-Rahman, has been killed in Pakistan, delivering another big blow to a terrorist group that the U.S. believes to be on the verge of defeat, a senior Obama administration official said Saturday.

The Libyan national who was the network's former operational leader rose to al Qaeda's No. 2 spot after the U.S. killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden during a raid on his Pakistan compound in May.

Al-Rahman was killed Aug. 22 in the lawless Pakistani tribal region of Waziristan, according to the official, who insisted on anonymity to discuss intelligence issues.

For the first time in a decade as many Republicans as Democrats say the US "should mind its own business" when it comes to global affairs

Natalie Gonnella
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As opposition grows in Washington over US action in Libya, a recent Pew research poll reveals that when it comes to global engagement, nearly half of GOP voters feel the US should "mind it's own business":

[F]or the first time in a decade, as many Republicans (45%) as Democrats (43%) said the United States “should mind its own business internationally.” In three surveys conducted between 2002 and 2005, only about half as many Republicans as Democrats expressed this view.

Overall, "majorites in every partisan group –including 55% of conservative Republicans – said the U.S. 'should pay less attention to problems overseas and concentrate on problems here at home.'"

While this change is attitude is not entirely surprising considering current criticism coming from lawmakers and 2012 contenders, it is still troubling. As Senator John McCain commented earlier today on ABC's This Week:

The fact is, our interests are our values. And our values are that we don't want people needlessly slaughtered by the thousands if we can prevent such activity

Abrams, Kagan, Kristol: "Don't cut and run in Libya"

Natalie Gonnella
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In response to recent efforts by lawmakers to slash funding for operations in Libya, Elliott Abrams, Bill Kristol and Robert Kagan are circulating a letter for signature to conservative foreign policy experts, arguing the pressing need for continued action against the Gadhafi regime.

Addressed to House Republicans, here's a look at what the trio (and the signatories) had to say:

We thank you for your leadership as Congress exercises its Constitutional responsibilities on the issue of America's military actions in Libya. We are gravely concerned, however, by news reports that Congress may consider reducing or cutting funding for U.S. involvement in the NATO-led military operations against the oppressive regime of Libyan dictator Muammar al-Qaddafi.  Such a decision would be an abdication of our responsibilities as an ally and as the leader of the Western alliance.  It would result in the perpetuation in power of a ruthless dictator who has ordered terrorist attacks on the United States in the past, has pursued nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, and who can be expected to return to these activities should he survive.  To cut off funding for current efforts would, in short, be profoundly contrary to American interests.

We share the concerns of many in Congress about the way in which the Obama administration has conducted and justified this operation. The problem is not that he has done too much, however, but that he has done too little to achieve the goal of removing Qaddafi from power.  The United States should be leading in this effort, not trailing behind our allies.  We should be doing more to help the Libyan opposition, which deserves our support.  We should not be allowing ourselves to be held hostage to U.N. Security Council resolutions and irresolute allies.

The full letter is available to view here.

Seven Republicans back Libya lawsuit

Natalie Gonnella
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Less than 24 hours after Speaker John Boehner's warning to the administration in regard to it's neglect for the War Powers Act, a bipartisan group of lawmakers have taken matters into their own hands, filing a lawsuit against President Obama for his failure to seek congressional authorization for military action in Libya

The Hill reports:

Led by Reps. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) and Walter Jones (R-N.C.), the members contend the White House broke the law when it launched military operations against Libyan strongman Col. Moammar Gadhafi in March without congressional authorization...

Aside from Kucinich and Jones, eight other House members endorsed the lawsuit, including GOP Reps. Howard Coble (N.C.), John Duncan (Tenn.), Roscoe Bartlett (Md.), Ron Paul (Texas), Tim Johnson (Ill.) and Dan Burton (Ind.), and Democratic Reps. John Conyers (Mich.) and Michael Capuano (Mass.).

The full complaint is available to view here.

Nearly nine out of ten Americans say the US military deserves the majority of the credit for finding Osama bin Laden

Natalie Gonnella
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As the debate begins over which presidents' policies were responsible for the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound, a new Gallup poll reveals that an overwhelming majority of Americans feel that US troops and the CIA deserve the bulk of the credit for Sunday's operation.

According to the recent survey, "89% say the military deserves 'a great deal of credit,' while 62% say the same about the CIA."

Interestingly, when it comes to presidential praise, Gallup's latest analysis reveals that:

Americans are more reserved in giving credit to President Obama. Thirty-five percent say he deserves a great deal of credit and another 36% say he deserves "a moderate amount" of credit. More than a quarter say he does not deserve much or any credit at all.

In relation to the operation's outcome, nearly two-thirds Americans say that killing bin Laden was the preferred strategy.  However, "84% of those who say it would have been better to capture bin Laden alive still say they approve of the military action overall. This suggests that the preference for his capture is not held so strongly that it dampens support for the mission as executed."

In general, 93% of Americans approve of Sunday's events, and nearly four-fifths believe that bin Laden's death is very important for the country. In comparison to previous military efforts against al Qaeda, Gallup also notes that the latest approval for US action:

[Is] similar to the 90% of Americans who in an Oct. 7, 2001, poll approved of the U.S. taking military action against Afghanistan. These approval levels are higher than the immediate reaction to the launching of either the first Persian Gulf War in 1991 or the Iraq war in 2003, for which approval was in the mid- to high 70% range."

The full results of Gallup's poll is available to view here.

What They're Saying: GOP freshmen respond to the news that Osama bin Laden has been killed by US forces in Pakistan

Natalie Gonnella

The first of many statements, here's a look at what GOP freshmen initially had to say via Twitter, Facebook and their own congressional websites in response to the news that Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden has been killed during CIA-led operations in Pakistan: 

Congressman Scott Rigell weighed in via Facebook and Twitter:

Bin Laden is dead. A heavy burden of peverse evil has been lifted from humanity. We are deeply grateful to all those who "stand in the gap" defending America from transnational terrorist like bin Laden. May tonight's announcement bring a measure of closure and peace to those who lost loved ones on 9-11. Justice, though delayed, has been served.

@RepScottRigell Hearing now that Navy SEALS led the operation. So incredibly proud of them. True warriors in defense of freedom.

Senator Marco Rubio in a statement commented:

Just as every American will never forget where we were when America was attacked on 9/11, this moment will forever be remembered by each one of us as the day justice for that tragedy was finally served. I congratulate our intelligence and military communities on this monumental operation. Their persistence and relentlessness in tracking Osama Bin Laden down have finally brought us this long awaited event. While this diabolical terrorist's death at America's hands is a moment to celebrate, we must never forget the serious terrorist threats that remain and will demand an enduring vigilance.

Taking to Twitter, Congressman Justin Amash tweeted:

@repjustinamash Justice has been done. Let's remember those who lost their lives. And let's pray for a more peaceful future.

Posted by way of Facebook, Congressman Joe Walsh responded:

The death of Osama Bin Laden marks a great victory in the War on Terror for the United States. The world is now free from Bin Laden's reign of terror thanks to the dedicated efforts of  the U.S. military and intelligence agencies. While this victory will never bring back the precious lives lost on September 11, 2001, Americans can rest easier tonight knowing this major threat to our nation's security has been removed. Words cannot begin to express my gratitude for the many men and women in uniform for paid the ultimate price avenging the terrorist attacks on our great nation. Let us take a moment and remember their sacrifice.

Also taking to Facebook, Senator John Boozman said in a statement:

This is a great victory for the Global War on Terror. Osama Bin Laden has been a top enemy of our country and its allies because of the murder of thousands of innocent civilians. We are grateful to the service and commitment of the men and women of our armed forces and intelligence community who have worked tirelessly to see that Bin Laden be held responsible for his senseless actions. This should send a clear message to Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations that the U.S. will not give up in pursuit of justice.

Using Twitter to offer her views, Congresswoman Kristi Noem posted:

@RepKristiNoem The world is safer today thanks to the brave and determined efforts of our military men and women.

@RepKristiNoem The chief architect of 9/11 has been brought to justice for his plot that killed nearly 3,000 innocent Americans.

@RepKristiNoem This should send a clear message to any others who wish to do harm to the American people or stifle the freedoms we enjoy.

Congressman Steve Southerland in statements via Facebook and Twitter commented:

As Americans, we all remember the moment when we first learned that our nation was under attack on 9/11. I am pleased that Bin Laden now faces the ultimate judgment for a life spent sowing seeds of hatred. We must, however, remain vigilant against terrorist thugs who will use today’s events as a rallying cry for their evil extremism. I pray that God continues watching over our dedicated men and women in uniform.

@Rep_Southerland We all remember where we were on 9/11/01. I am pleased that Bin Laden faces ultimate judgment, but we must stay alert

Using an extended message via TweetDeck, Congressman Joe Heck commented:

@Heck4Nevada The death of UBL marks the successful conclusion of a painful chapter in American history. While there is still a great deal of work to do in the Middle East to stabilize the region, and this will never bring back the losses our country suffered, today we take another step forward. The men and women fighting, both in our military and intelligence community, to maintain our freedom deserve all of the credit for their dedication to this effort.

Congressman Mike Pompeo, commenting via his congressional website and Twitter, said:

I am thrilled to learn that America has defeated one of our greatest enemies, the former head of Al Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden. As a former member of the armed services, I am deeply proud of the courageous work performed by my brethren who worked so doggedly to take down Bin Laden. For years, our intelligence officers, soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors have committed themselves to combating the scourge of terrorism. They deserve our most sincere appreciation for a job well done and I am grateful that those Americans who are responsible for this success are able to return home, unharmed. America is now more secure as a result of the strength of our armed services and those who brought this long-running pursuit to a decisive and successful end.  We need also to remember those who gave their lives in this effort -- they will never be forgotten.

@RepMikePompeo I am deeply proud of the courageous work performed by my brethren who worked so doggedly to take down Bin Laden.

In a post on Facebook, Congressman Kevin Yoder said:

I applaud the strength and diligence of our intelligence and military communities. Tonight they have brought justice to the innocent victims and families of 9-11 and to our grateful country. As we stand together proud that justice has been served, we remember our brave American service men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting the war on terror. God Bless America.

Congressman Allen West commented in a statement:

Congratulations to President Obama and his National Security Team for the capture and killing of the world's most dangerous and evil criminal mastermind, Osama bin Laden. Our appreciation and gratitude goes out to General Petreaus and the brave men and women in theater.  Our Special Operations team executed a flawless, cross border operation, proving once again, our American Armed Forces are the most skilled, organized and highly trained forces in the world. Although this is a time of exuberance, rejoicing and healing, America, as well as our allies, must be vigilant and on guard for retaliatory attacks from the extreme Islamic world.  What strongly concerns me is that bin Laden was not found hiding in a remote cave, but in an urban area of Pakistan where the Pakistan Army’s premier training institution operates. This is a war that is no where close to being over.

What They're Saying: Although unified in their view that the US should have a more prominent role in Libya, Republicans split over Gadhafi strike

Natalie Gonnella

With yesterday's news that one of Gadhafi's sons and three of his grandchildren were killed during recent airstrikes, NATO efforts in Libya were a popular topic among the Sunday morning political shows.

With regime loyalists ransacking the embassies of coalition allies in retaliation and government forces stepping up their attack on rebels, here's a look at what a number of conservatives had to say this morning in response to yesterday's airstrikes:

Senator Lindsey Graham said during an interview on Fox News Sunday:

I think this is a good move by NATO to go after the source of the problem...If you want to protect the Libyan people, go after his inner circle. ... In my opinion, wherever Gaddafi goes is a legitimate military target. He’s the command and control source. He’s not the legitimate leader of Libya, and the way to get this to end is to go after the people around him and his support network. So I support what NATO’s doing.

Former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley said on CNN's State of the Union:

In a military operation the command and control elements are a legitimate target.  And in Libya the command and control goes up to Gadhafi.  But I think we have to focus on the narrative we want to come out of this.  The narrative that we want to come out of this is that the Libyan people overthrew a dictator, not that we came in and toppled a despot.  That’s the problem with going after command and control.  If it results in the death of Gadhafi because what we really want him to do is for him to leave or to die at a Libyan hand, not an American hand.

Unsatisfied by the US role in Libya, Senator John McCain, who has been very vocal throughout the uprisings of the "Arab Spring," commented on CBS's Face the Nation that:

I think that if you view the-- the Qaddafi himself as part of the command and control, I think you could argue that if he was in one of those places, then it would be part of it. But Bob, we tried many times to kill leaders. Remember when we-- we’re going to kill Saddam Hussein at the beginning of the last war in Iraq. We tried to kill Osama bin Laden on several occasions. So it’s not as easy as you think. And so, we should be taking out his command and control. And if he is killed or injured because of that, that’s fine. But we ought to have a strategy to help the rebels succeed and overthrow Qaddafi and everybody associated with him.

President George W. Bush joins 14 servicemen and women on the Warriors 100k challenge

Natalie Gonnella

A keen bike enthusiast and avid advocate for American troops, President George W. Bush took to the trails yesterday joining 14 US veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan on the Warriors 100k challenge.  

As the first event of the Bush Institute's Social Enterprise Initiative, the W100k aims to:

Highlight the bravery and physical strength of the warriors wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan, as well as those organizations that have made continuing commitments to supporting America’s heroes.

It also seeks to:

[Provide] an opportunity for military support organizations to highlight their good work and has been sponsored by several companies and individuals that have generously contributed their time and resources to support America’s servicemen and women. 

The group started their three day challenge yesterday with a 12 mile (19.4 km) journey through rough desert terrain, continuing today with a grueling 30 mile (48.3 km) in the Texas heat.

President Bush and the warriors will finish the last 20 miles (32.3 km) tomorrow, with video and photo updates on their progress available via the W100k website.

Joining the Bush Institute in support of the event are the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Ride 2 Recovery, World T.E.A.M. Sports, and Wounded Warrior Project. Full bios of the 14 warriors are available to view here.

"The protection of human rights and freedom of expression are fundamental necessities under a free society": House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Ileana Ros-Lehtinen marks the 50th Anniversary of the Bay of Pigs Invasion

Natalie Gonnella

This week a number of Cuban-American Congress members marked the 50th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion, paying tribute to the approximately 1,500 CIA-trained soldiers who stormed the beach in Cuba as part of a secret attempt to overthrow the Castro regime and curtail the spread of communism.

Although panned by many as an "immoral" and "incompetent" failure by the Kennedy Administration, in a statement last week on the House floor, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Ileana Ros-Lehtinen reminded Americans of the courage and dedication of those involved in the operation on the ground and the continued importance of protecting human dignity and freedom across the globe. An avid advocate for human rights and democracy, here's a look at what House Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen had to say about the 50th Anniversary of the event:

On April 17, 1961, the anti-communist patriots of Brigade 2506 were determined to help their homeland and their loved ones who were living under a repressive regime. Even though the operation was not successful, the dedication and the commitment that these brave individuals illustrated during the conflict was exceptional.

During the operation, one hero was asked if he wished to be evacuated, and he said, “I will never leave this country.” These individuals showed a strong sense of heroism as they were up against the repressive regime’s armed forces.

President Ronald Reagan was a longstanding supporter of individuals taking action to free themselves from oppressive socialist and communist regimes. When referring to the Bay of Pigs, President Reagan stated, “By supporting courageous freedom fighters around the world, we're shining a light on the path out from Communism.”

These heroes reached the beaches of Playa Girón to fight against communism in Cuba that was being supported by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The evil empire made a strong push into Cuba that became a national security threat to the United States. A strong Soviet Union presence in Cuba led to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

This intrusion cemented the dangers of the Soviet Union having very close ties to the Cuban regime. Democracy and liberty of the people in the Western Hemisphere were in severe jeopardy as the communist forces were looking to expand their control. But the will of freedom-loving people who seek for a better future will not be deterred by the evils and the power of communism.

The protection of human rights and freedom of expression are fundamental necessities under a free society. As the spread of communism crumbled during the Cold War, democracies throughout the Western Hemisphere flourished in open societies. However, the United States must remain vigilant that history does not repeat itself.

At this moment, Russia is currently infiltrating the Western Hemisphere by joining forces with anti-democratic tyrants such as Chavez, Ortega, and Morales. Recently, reports have indicated that Russia has sold $15 billion worth of weapons and military equipment to Chavez. In addition, senior Russian military officials have mentioned the possibility of establishing refueling bases for Russian bombers in Cuba.

Russian activities in the Western Hemisphere raise serious concerns as they are arming rogue regimes that are counter to the interests and the security of our beloved nation. The veterans of the Bay of Pigs symbolized this struggle between communism and freedom. The brave Brigade 2506 patriots decided to risk their very lives in order to liberate an oppressed society.

These men fought courageously on that historic day. They came from many backgrounds, but all of them cared about freedom and liberty for the people of Cuba. Even though the Bay of Pigs operation was not successful, their call to serve rose again to protect our nation from enemies abroad. Many of these veterans continued to serve the United States by joining our Armed Forces and fighting with honor during the Vietnam War.

I would like to acknowledge all individuals who consistently are working toward fulfilling the dreams of a free Cuba, which is the dream of the veterans of Brigade 2506 who aspired and fought for a free and democratic Cuba. I would also like to recognize the veterans of the Bay of Pigs who are with us today in the gallery.

Gentlemen, thank you very much for your sacrifice and commitment for a free Cuba and a strong United States.

Will Inboden: Obama's in "retreat" on more than just domestic policy

Natalie Gonnella

While most commentary this morning focused on the President's fiscal "re-do," Will Inboden reminded Americans that it's not just domestic policy where the Obama Administration is scrambling to correct it's previous mistakes

In a post via ForeignPolicy.com's Shadow Government blog, Dr. Inboden outlined a number of foreign policy areas where President Obama is struggling to right his strategy wrongs.

With the White House now retreating on two years of misjudgements, here's a look at a few of the key issues Inboden highlights in his recent post:

• After misconstruing the Israeli-Palestinian peace process as the strategic linchpin of the entire Middle East, and an imbalanced fixation on a freeze in Israeli settlement activity as the essential precondition to progress, the White House now finds itself back at square one. And they know they have a problem on their policy when even John Kerry dismisses it as a "wasted...year and a half."

• After publicly dismissing human rights concerns in China and signaling to Beijing that American diplomatic advocacy on human rights need not be taken seriously, the Administration now belatedly takes notice that China is in the midst of its worst crackdown on dissidents in at least three years;

• After giving Hugo Chavez a presidential hug, the administration two years later still finds the Venezuelan thug fomenting mischief and undermining American interests across Latin America;

• After extending a unilateral olive branch to Iran, disregarding the dramatic 2009 Green Movement protests, and losing valuable diplomatic leverage, the administration is now struggling to reassert pressure on the Iranian regime in the face of new reports of advances in its nuclear weapons program.

Dr. Inboden's full post can be viewed here.