Gadhafi's death: Vindication for Obama?
After being pilloried for "leading from behind," the president wins praise for the NATO-backed Libya war's ultimate success

The foreign effort to protect Libya's pro-democracy uprising culminated Thursday in Moammar Gadhafi's death, following a NATO airstrike. In the last seven months, President Obama has endured no end of grief over that Western effort, which began in the spring with a no-fly zone preventing Gadhafi's forces from slaughtering civilians. Obama's taken heat from both the Left and the Right, with some calling the NATO-backed war an unnecessary military adventure, while others criticized Obama for taking a back seat and letting France and Britain lead. Will Gadhafi's death and the liberation of the last pockets of Libya controlled by his loyalists finally silence Obama's critics?
Yes. This shows Obama did the right thing in Libya: Gadhafi's demise bolsters "Obama's reputation as a strong commander-in-chief," says Anna Fifield at Britain's Financial Times. The president was first pummeled for launching the humanitarian air war, and then for letting it turn into an effort to oust Gadhafi. But results speak loudly. Libya is free of Gadhafi, and Obama ought to be vindicated. Sorry, Republicans, but your 2012 candidate will have to debate national security with the guy who got both Osama bin Laden and Moammar Gadhafi.
"Gaddafi death boosts Obama's reputation"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
No way. This justifies nothing: Gadhafi's death is "good news" because it means we can end our military involvement in Libya, says Christopher Preble at Cato at Liberty. But it doesn't "validate the original decision to launch military operations without authorization from Congress." Our air war "did not advance a vital national security interest." The Libyan rebels could have, and should have, done this on their own.
"Gadhafi's death does not legitimize U.S. intervention in Libya"
Obama will be judged on what happens next: Obama's "decision to oust Gadhafi" implicated the U.S. in Libya's future, says Christopher Preble at Cato at Libertyr. Now the president will have to shower the victorious rebels with money and weaponry, and there's still no guarantee they'll "actually secure power and operate a functioning government." If they do, Obama might have a new oil-rich ally; if they don't, or if the new leaders prove to be as brutal as Gadhafi, Obama won't be viewed quite so favorably.
"Gadhafi is dead, 'luckily' we have 'implicated' ourselves in Libya's future"
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'The bilateral relationship has eroded'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
June 5 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Thursday's political cartoons include a presidential get-out-of-jail-free card, masked ICE agents, and the Tooth Fairy's message for Senator Joni Ernst
-
Selling sex: why investors are wary of OnlyFans despite record profits
In The Spotlight The platform that revolutionised pornography is for sale – but its value is limited unless it can diversify
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?
In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
-
'Seriously, not literally': how should the world take Donald Trump?
Today's big question White House rhetoric and reality look likely to become increasingly blurred
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?
Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
-
Democrats vs. Republicans: who are the billionaires backing?
The Explainer Younger tech titans join 'boys' club throwing money and support' behind President Trump, while older plutocrats quietly rebuke new administration
-
US election: where things stand with one week to go
The Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
-
Is Trump okay?
Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
-
The life and times of Kamala Harris
The Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
-
Will 'weirdly civil' VP debate move dial in US election?
Today's Big Question 'Diametrically opposed' candidates showed 'a lot of commonality' on some issues, but offered competing visions for America's future and democracy