OBAMA ---MIND BOGGLED OR BRILLIANT??

If Obama's speech on Libya Monday night was meant to clarify---he missed the mark. We still don't know much more than before the speech, which was at best confusing, and at worst looked an awful lot like war, or as some are calling it, the "not war". It was as though Obama was forced to show up and say something about the fact that we're bombing Libya; but he really would liked to have mailed this one in,or just voted "present", as he did so many times as a senator, preferring to stay out of the messiness of actually voting yes or no on this very untimely, inconvenient middle east problem. He doesn't want to say why we began a bombing campaign in Libya, other than it's for humanitarian reasons. Of course, the ousting of Gadhafi as a mission wasn't even mentioned---that would be far too harsh and would take on the look of a regime changing action---or war. And since he didn't even seek congressional approval for war, that could be very troublesome. Oil, and our interests in it was not mentioned either, as that would smack of American greed and Obama is trying to change our image to that of a kinder, gentler nation. The problem is---that to be dead honest, Gadhafi must and will go, which will have to lead to a regime change; and without the Libyan oil issue, we may not have bothered with Libya at all. The Congo and the atrocities taking place there were not enough to arouse our humanitarian instincts or actions toward the Congolese--they bleed, but they do not have coveted oil.

Of course, Obama knows all of this---what's disturbing is that he refuses to call a spade a spade, or in this case, war, war---choosing instead to delay any aggressive military action and instead ride reluctantly in on the coat tails of the United Nations and only for the supposed cause of righteousness and salvation of the Libyan people. Not only does this preserve his reputation as an anti-George Bush war president, but it will play much better in the media and his image in the upcoming election of 2012. But this is not over yet, and it remains to be seen whether we can get out of Libya without sending in more forces and perhaps even "boots on the ground". If we don't, then are we really fulfilling our role as the leader of the free world by leaving it up to NATO and if we do, there are those who say it would never have been necessary to do so, had Obama made an earlier decision to provide a "no fly zone" over Libya--and that we were too timid to act. Will this encourage other rebellions? Syria, Yemen, and Bahrain are already joining the parade of Arab unrest---and there are no guarantees for freedom and democracy just yet. There are even those who fear a caliphate or block of Muslim extremists taking over these countries. A chrystal ball would come in handy about now---instead, we have to play this fluid game by ear---and with our eyes wide open. This looks like the beginning of a long dominoe falling process, involving the Arab countries and our roles in them.

And so, as Nato takes over (with ours being at least half the weapons at their disposal and our military leaders leading the attacks)Gadhafi is still in Libya, the rebels are still fighting, and who knows who will take over after Gadhafi is gone. Sorting the good guys from the bad guys is not easy in the middle east, and there are rumours now that Al Queda members are part of the rebel movement, which could mean we're actually helping our enemies become even more dangerous to our health and well being. To date there is no exit plan, nor true mission statement if Gadhafi refuses to leave. NATO, or not, we're still in it--but not necessarily to win it, by making sure the new government is on our side. That, you see, is no longer exclusively up to us, having handed off the reigns of power to others, rendering us to a subordinate position---a new and different label for us.

So, what's the end game? And does President Obama have a clear bead on all of it--is he mind boggled by all of this--or did he pull off a great diplomatic finesse, by flying beneath the radar, and waiting for others to join us? But strangely, as to show everyone he's still the boss, he then incongruously insisted in his speech, that he took full responsibility for leading the effort for a "no fly zone" after over two weeks of deliberation. The French and the British might take issue with that statement, as it were they who finally took the initiative, not Obama.

As always, there are those who say Obama is woefully unprepared for these monumentally troubling times---and those who claim he is just the opposite--a brilliant strategist, intent on transforming this country to a less aggressive, more beloved one. History will tell, but one thing is sure---the middle east is rising up and becoming whatever and whoever is left standing after the riots. We dare not take our eye off this huge paradigm shift---and humanitarianism may not be enough if we are to survive the rippling effect of struggles within the eye of a storm called "power"---which is not always to the people, but to whoever wields the biggest stick.

President Obama, this may be your biggest challenge yet, as it certainly involves our very security as a nation and your most important responsibility to us. Are you ready to shine, and make this your legacy as the President who leads us, and possibly the world, through these times of international crises---or will you shun the glare of American exceptionalism and leave it to others? And if you do the latter, will we then finally become what you and some would like---a kinder, gentler, nation, not so resented or envied---but then not quick, smart, tough, or respected enough to lead?

In case you might be thinking that this is a complete indictment against Mr. Obama, it is not. It is, instead, an incomplete assessment and impression of this almost mysterious man, whose past associations and some ideologies still defy clarity of vision and engender suspicion; and whose words, though masterful, are insufficiently clear as to his actual goals. It is also a reflection of the doubts and serious concerns of many citizens who are watching him administer with great hestitation and uncertainty in the affairs of huge consequences for all of us. Brilliant or completely overwhelmed, this president is hopefully learning fast that you can't please everyone, but that you must sometimes make bold, timely decisions, based on what's best for most of us, not the fickle winds of politics or party--then pick your pony, and ride. If you do that, you'll at least gain our respect, if not our love.

Brilliance can be blinding---so maybe we just don't understand the ways of Obama, but inaction, hestitation, mixed messages, and taking credit where none is due is mind boggling.