re: #286 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

It’s a possibility, but one that flirts with disaster. Right now, what’s happening in Libya is still an internal matter, outside intervention being invisible if it’s actually there. We start supplying the rebels, we give opponents the opening to claim that this is in fact a “US-led coup” aimed at removing Gaddafi and installing a government to our benefit. All of a sudden, we’ve got Gaddafi on TV, saying that what’s happening in Libya is the same thing that happened in Venezuela, that the CIA came in and organized this uprising as a form of “imperialism” against the Libyan people. It would spread doubt within the ranks, doubt that they’re fighting for themselves, rather than for US-paid stooges.

Not so much, since their leaders are asking for the help. And we can put out our own broadcasts to counter the lies. The only real risk is that it might firm up the will of some Gaddafi loyalists, but I think that a risk worth running. I see the risk factor as fairly low. The rebels are already committed to death or victory, I don’t think material support from us will be a major problem for them.