By Tabassum Zakaria
WASHINGTON, March 17 (Reuters) - Not so very long ago a no-fly zone over Libya seemed like an option on the outskirts of what the United States was considering in trying to pressure Muammar Gaddafi.
Since last night, apparently a no-fly zone might not be enough, and the United States is now pressing for air strikes against Libyan tanks and heavy artillery. What changed?
'It is not our feeling ... that a no-fly zone is a snap-your-fingers, one-size-fits-all solution to a problem. And what we want is action on a variety of items that can improve the situation in Libya,' White House spokesman Jay Carney said, without agreeing with the premise that policy had shifted.
The hardening stance brought to mind the words from Director of National Intelligence James Clapper last week that 'the regime will prevail' eventually because Libyan rebels were outgunned. Words the administration quickly distanced itself from at the time.
Gaddafi had words of his own, warning the rebel stronghold of Benghazi that he would show no mercy. 'We will come zenga, zenga. House by house, room by room.'
Changing colors at the White House marked St. Patrick's Day, with the fountain on the South Lawn flowing green. President Barack Obama promised to visit Ireland in May and see from whence his ancestors came.
In the Oval Office it was his great (times five) grandfather, while at the Capitol it was his great (times three) grandfather -- Oh well, tough to keep track...
Washington Extra is a daily newsletter about politics and economics in Washington, sent to subscribers by e-mail.
To be added to the mailing list on a complimentary basis, please email us at washingtonextra@thomsonreuters.com.
Here are our top stories from Washington:
U.S. pushing for air strikes, no-fly zone in Libya
The United States, in a sharp shift in tone, wants the United Nations to authorize not just a no-fly zone to aid Libyan rebels but also air strikes against Libyan tanks and heavy artillery, officials said.
Arab role in Libya intervention discussed-U.S.
Talks are underway about Arab nations possibly taking part directly in any international military action against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said.
Obama orders nuclear review, sees risk in Japan
President Barack Obama ordered a comprehensive review of U.S. nuclear facilities and said radiation from an earthquake-stricken power plant in Japan posed a 'substantial risk' to people nearby.
Congress buys more time for budget dispute
The Congress bought itself more time to work out a much-delayed budget deal as the costs of the stalemate were increasingly felt across the globe.
U.S. data point to brisk growth, bottoming inflation
Consumer prices increased at their fastest pace in more than 1-1/2 years in February as fresh data showed growth was accelerating, but underlying inflation pressures remained generally contained.
To see what we are blogging on Front Row Washington, go to http://blogs.reuters.com/frontrow/
Keywords: USA WASHINGTONEXTRA/ (toby.zakaria@thomsonreuters.com; +1 202 898 8300; http://twitter.com/tobyzakaria) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.
WASHINGTON, March 17 (Reuters) - Not so very long ago a no-fly zone over Libya seemed like an option on the outskirts of what the United States was considering in trying to pressure Muammar Gaddafi.
Since last night, apparently a no-fly zone might not be enough, and the United States is now pressing for air strikes against Libyan tanks and heavy artillery. What changed?
'It is not our feeling ... that a no-fly zone is a snap-your-fingers, one-size-fits-all solution to a problem. And what we want is action on a variety of items that can improve the situation in Libya,' White House spokesman Jay Carney said, without agreeing with the premise that policy had shifted.
The hardening stance brought to mind the words from Director of National Intelligence James Clapper last week that 'the regime will prevail' eventually because Libyan rebels were outgunned. Words the administration quickly distanced itself from at the time.
Gaddafi had words of his own, warning the rebel stronghold of Benghazi that he would show no mercy. 'We will come zenga, zenga. House by house, room by room.'
Changing colors at the White House marked St. Patrick's Day, with the fountain on the South Lawn flowing green. President Barack Obama promised to visit Ireland in May and see from whence his ancestors came.
In the Oval Office it was his great (times five) grandfather, while at the Capitol it was his great (times three) grandfather -- Oh well, tough to keep track...
Washington Extra is a daily newsletter about politics and economics in Washington, sent to subscribers by e-mail.
To be added to the mailing list on a complimentary basis, please email us at washingtonextra@thomsonreuters.com.
Here are our top stories from Washington:
U.S. pushing for air strikes, no-fly zone in Libya
The United States, in a sharp shift in tone, wants the United Nations to authorize not just a no-fly zone to aid Libyan rebels but also air strikes against Libyan tanks and heavy artillery, officials said.
Arab role in Libya intervention discussed-U.S.
Talks are underway about Arab nations possibly taking part directly in any international military action against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said.
Obama orders nuclear review, sees risk in Japan
President Barack Obama ordered a comprehensive review of U.S. nuclear facilities and said radiation from an earthquake-stricken power plant in Japan posed a 'substantial risk' to people nearby.
Congress buys more time for budget dispute
The Congress bought itself more time to work out a much-delayed budget deal as the costs of the stalemate were increasingly felt across the globe.
U.S. data point to brisk growth, bottoming inflation
Consumer prices increased at their fastest pace in more than 1-1/2 years in February as fresh data showed growth was accelerating, but underlying inflation pressures remained generally contained.
To see what we are blogging on Front Row Washington, go to http://blogs.reuters.com/frontrow/
Keywords: USA WASHINGTONEXTRA/ (toby.zakaria@thomsonreuters.com; +1 202 898 8300; http://twitter.com/tobyzakaria) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.