Though there remains considerable anger and a split amongst member nations over NATO’s involvement, the US and Britain finally got their way Tuesday, and NATO will be given full military control over the war in Libya.
But while some speculated that this would reduce tensions among alliance members, much of the damage is already done, particularly after NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen’s chiding led to a French and German walkout on Monday.
And the fallout is already being felt, with Germany announcing Tuesday that it is pulling out of all NATO operations in the Mediterranean, saying again that they wanted no part in the ongoing attacks on Libya.
Turkey likewise has been loudly condemning the attacks on Libya. Though Turkey eventually gave up on the idea of blocking NATO’s involvement, the move may further estrange NATO’s third largest member from the alliance.