On Libya: "Killing a dictator’s innocent grandchildren really showcases our moral superiority."

[Better Believe It]

US Assassinates Saif Qaddafi and Three Qaddafi Grandsons
by bmaz
April 30, 2011

That is some “no fly zone” that is being enforced; apparently civilians, women and children (Saif Qaddafi’s wife and children) on the ground are considered legitimate targets. Mr. Obama and his White House have spoken out of both sides of their mouths as to whether “regime change” was their goal. Defense Secretary Gates has admitted that Libya did not pose any “actual or imminent threat” to the US. Mr. Obama has refused to characterize the Libyan intervention as a war even though it obviously is. The US is, just as obviously, the lead actor despite the faux NATO patina and gloss put on the pig.

Quite frankly it is hard to find any legal basis under either UN or US authorizations for the action that has been consummated today. Section 4 of UNSCR 1973 does authorize a broad range of force to ”protect civilians and civilian populated areas”; however, it is hard to see the moral, ethical or legal justification for today’s acts in that. It seems all the more tenuous coming directly on the heels of Qaddafi’s plea for a ceasefire.

As Jeremy Scahill stated,

Killing a dictator’s innocent grandchildren really showcases our moral superiority.

http://emptywheel.firedoglake.com/2011/04/30/us-assassinates-saif-qaddafi-and-three-qaddafi-grandsons/