McCain: U.S. Retreat From Libya Would Be "Profound Mistake"

By Anna Cameron

At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Thursday, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) expressed grave concern in regards to recent reduced US military involvement in Libya. 

“For the United States to be withdrawing our unique offensive capabilities at this time sends the exact wrong signal,” said McCain. “We should be taking every necessary and appropriate action, short of committing ground troops, to achieve our goal.”

However, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen stood in support of NATO, as he reaffirmed the coalition’s capability to carry out what has been deemed a humanitarian mission in Libya. 

“This coalition we have forged…is not only a coalition of the willing, it is a coalition of the able,” noted Mullen, who testified alongside Defense Secretary Robert Gates Thursday.

“We believe that our allies actually have the capabilities to continue to degrade [Gaddafi’s] military capabilities,” added Gates

With the responsibility of command shifted to NATO, the United States’ military has now assumed a supporting role in the conflict. According to McCain and fellow Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), among the most concerning consequences of this retreat is the current absence of the unrivaled AC-130 and A-10 strike aircraft unique to US forces.

“The fact is that your timing is exquisite,” said McCain. “At a time when the Gaddafi forces have literally tragically routed the anti-Gaddafi forces, that’s when we announce that the United States is abdicating its leadership role…I’m glad to know that small arms will be effective for them.”

In response, Defense Secretary Gates revealed that the aircraft would be available on a “sort of stand-by,” given that NATO forces were unable to control the operation in Libya and prevent further humanitarian disaster.