The Obama administration has been trying for more than two weeks to get the United Nations Security Council committee that monitors sanctions against Libya to unfreeze the $1.5 billion in Libyan assets for the rebels who now have control of the country. Opposition to the move from South Africa, which has close ties to Moammar Gadhafi, has stalled efforts thus far.
Within this committee, agreement of all 15 council nations is required. To avoid South Africa’s veto, the US introduced a resolution before the full Council, which does not need a unanimous vote, and will call for a vote at 3:00PM Eastern Time on Thursday unless South Africa changes its mind.
The assets are frozen because of a U.N. Security Council move in February and March that ordered all countries to freeze billions of dollars in assets of Gadhafi and affiliated associations to punish the regime for its violent response to protesters demanding change.
The Obama administration is arguing for rebel access to the billions dollars of Libyan assets so they can address the serious humanitarian concerns in Libya. But recent concerns that the main rebel group in the Transitional National Council prevent uprisings and maintain a monopoly on the use of force suggest the funds are also needed to secure the rebel’s position as the legitimate government of Libya.
Let’s not forget this the a guy who said “The reforms we seek would bring greater competition, choice, savings and inefficiencies to our health care system.” – Barack Obama July 20, 2009. If snuffing UBL and passing a healthcare program (that 70% of Americans hate) are the only things worth running on… How can Clinton not take a run at this guy?
How can you possibly believe that Clinton would be any different? In 2008, she ran on bringing back the Clinton pro-corporate government from the 90's. She deliberately ran on a health care proposal almost identical to the one that passed, including mandates. She's the sec of state who talks like Condi Rice and supports every bit of war and extortion this government attempts. The sad joke about the 2008 primary is that the result was going to be identical no matter who won. Obama ran as an alternative to Clinton, then appointed all the Clintonistas and gave us more Clinton corporatism and war just like Hillary would have.
Yes, you're exactly right, Hillary is an avid, warmongering military interventionist and a domestic soft fascist — Obama has a prettier face and a brighter smile, that's the difference.
The 'rebels'? – could the rebels possibly be radical Islamic terrorists?
And of course – our Muslim President isn't trying to lend supports to Muslim terrorists – is he?
I have to wonder what percentage of these “billions of dollars” will be pumped back into the cash strapped U.S. economy, so that the good old U.S. can help provide humanitarian assistance to the poor Libyans?
Wish he'd move to 'unfreeze' billions in assets to give American workers some jobs.
I imagine President Barack Obama has some weapons contracts prearranged with these "rebels" so a lot of these billions will funnel back to American arms manufacturers (said weapons to be used against other "rebels", friends, enemies and strangers). "!!!DEFENSE COMPANIES FOR OBAMA 2012 RAH RAH RAH — DEFENSE JOBS FOR AMERICANS OBAMA 2012 RAH RAH RAH!!!"