President Obama appeared on camera today for the first time since the United Nations Security Council voted to approve a no-fly zone over Libya. According to the Los Angeles Times, the president warned Moammar Gadhafi that the United Nations is ready to crack down miltary-style unless Gadhafi stops using force against his people and restores gas and electricity to rebel-held cities. Although Gadhafi's forces declared a cease-fire, no one really seems to be taking that too seriously, especially Gadhafi - who shelled his own people after that declaration, according to Reuters.
Obama made it clear in his speech that any military force against Libya would not include a ground invasion:
Bloomberg is reporting that NATO nations like Great Britain, France, Canada, and the United States would participate in any air strikes as part of the implementation of the no-fly zone. Retired Air Force Lieutenant General Michael M. Dunn described to Bloomberg the intricacies of a no-fly zone:
Dunn said the no-fly zone would need about 200 planes for 24-hour-a-day coverage.
You can watch the entirety of President Obama's speech below, courtesy of the Department of Defense:
