Former National Security Adviser Says Gaddafi's Fate Can Impact America's Image

Former National Security Adviser James L. Jones told the National Press Club Monday that whether or not Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi stays in power will play an important role in how the United States is seen abroad.

“It looks like Gaddafi at least has the wherewithal to ride this out for a little bit longer,” Jones said. “We’ll be judged against whether Gaddafi stays in office. That’s just reality.”

The ongoing NATO mission is centered around ensuring that Gaddafi can’t harm civilians rather than removing the dictator from power. The Obama administration has stressed since the opening days of the conflict that Gaddafi has lost the legitimacy to lead.