Opening the Third Front in the Permanent War

Remember this 10 years from now when Libyan suicide bombers are attacking U.S. troops still occupying their country.

"The resolution that passed lays out very clear conditions that must be met. The United States, the United Kingdom, France and Arab states agree that a ceasefire must be implemented immediately. That means all attacks against civilians must stop. Gaddafi must stop his troops from advancing on Benghazi, pull them back from Ajdabiyah, Misurata and Az Zawiyah, and establish water, electricity and gas supplies to all areas.

"Humanitarian assistance must be allowed to reach the people of Libya.

"Let me be clear: these terms are not negotioable. These terms are not subject to negotiation. If Gaddafi does not comply with the resolution, the international community will impose consequences: the resolution will be enforced through military action.

SNIP

"I also want to be clear about what we will not be doing: the United States is not going to be deploying ground troops into Libya, and we are not going to use force to go beyond a well-defined goal, specifically the protection of civilians in Libya.

"In the coming weeks, we will continue to help the Libyan people with humanitarian and economic assistance so that they can fulfill their aspirations peacefully.

SNIP

"But I want to be clear: the change in the region will not and cannot be imposed by the United States or any foreign power. Ultimately it will be driven by the people of the Arab world. It is their right and their responsibility to determine their own destiny.

"Let me close by saying that there is no decision that I face as your Commander-in-Chief that I consider as carefully as the decision to ask our men and women to use military force. Particularly at a time when our military is fighting in Afghanistan and winding down our activities in Iraq. That decision is only made more difficult. But the United States of America will not stand idly by in the face of actions that undermine global peace and security. So I've taken this decision with the confidence that action is necessary, and that we will not be acting alone.

"Our goal is focused, our cause is just, and our coalition is strong."

Full transcript here, at the 9:02 p.m. mark.