Analysis: The Formation Of A Coalition
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - In less than a week, the United States position changed from a reluctance to commit air power to a last-minute decision to quickly enforce a no-fly zone. So, what happened?
What happened was one of the most amazing political-military alliances put together in the modern era.
The usual friends were there; The U.S., Britain, France, Canada, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Egypt, and the promises of help from six other Arab nations, all under command of the United Nations.
The Arab League embraced the operation, with some opposition afterwards, but the alliance is holding tight. Notably missing was Germany.
Whatever happens now, the organization by Secretary of State Clinton is a remarkable political accomplishment, especially the backdoor pressure to push China and Russia, which abstained in the vote, not to block the operation.
Missing from the operation was the partisan debate from Capitol Hill. There were some debates but they were civil.
Analysis by Larry Kane, KYW Newsradio
