Thursday morning mishmash

Hi guys,

Sorry for the sporadic updates over the past couple of days – I’m dealing with some personal stuff – but I did go through many comments and I can’t tell you how proud I am of the level and manner of discussion you guys displayed, while talking about some really sensitive issues. I could not be more proud, and genuinely moved. Thanks.

Now, to the mishmash.

1. I hate wars as much as much as the next guy, but I waited a whole week for someone to explain – Better than I can – why I support this particular military operation in Libya. Nicholas Kristof is doing exactly that today:

This may be a first for the Arab world: An American airman who bailed out over Libya was rescued from his hiding place in a sheep pen by villagers who hugged him, served him juice and thanked him effusively for bombing their country.

Even though some villagers were hit by American shrapnel, one gamely told an Associated Press reporter that he bore no grudges. Then, on Wednesday in Benghazi, the major city in eastern Libya whose streets would almost certainly be running with blood now if it weren’t for the American-led military intervention, residents held a “thank you rally.” They wanted to express gratitude to coalition forces for helping save their lives.

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This is also one of the few times in history when outside forces have intervened militarily to save the lives of citizens from their government. More commonly, we wring our hands for years as victims are massacred, and then, when it is too late, earnestly declare: “Never again”.

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I opposed the 2003 Iraq invasion because my reporting convinced me that most Iraqis hated Saddam Hussein but didn’t want American forces intruding on their soil. This time my reporting persuades me that most Libyans welcome outside intervention.

“Opinion was unanimous,” Michel Gabaudan, the president of Refugees International, told me on Wednesday after a visit to Libya. Mr. Gabaudan said that every Libyan he spoke to agreed that the military strikes had averted “a major humanitarian disaster.”

“Men, women and children, they are ecstatic about the role of the coalition but worried that it may not continue,” he said.

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The momentum has reversed. More airstrikes on Colonel Qaddafi’s artillery and armor will help. So would jamming his radio and television broadcasts. Arab countries are already delivering weapons and ammunition to the rebels, boosting their capabilities and morale. In short, there are risks ahead but also opportunities.

A senior White House official says that the humanitarian argument was decisive for President Obama: “The president was chilled by what would happen to the people of Benghazi and Tobruk.  There were critical national security and national interest reasons to do this, but what compelled the president to act so quickly was the immediate prospect of mass atrocities against the people of Benghazi and the east. He was well aware of the risks of military action, but he also feared the costs of inaction.”

I’ve seen war up close, and I detest it. But there are things I’ve seen that are even worse — such as the systematic slaughter of civilians as the world turns a blind eye. Thank God that isn’t happening this time. 

Amen.

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2. Those who wants to strip PBO of his Nobel Peace Prize are not really worth the attention, but they do give me an excuse to post his acceptance speech back in 2009. A man of consistency, if there ever was one:

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3. Recovery!

Weekly jobless claims down to 382,000

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — First-time claims for unemployment benefits in the week ending March 19 fell 5,000 to 382,000, the Labor Department said Thursday, with the four-week moving average of 385,250 reaching the lowest level since July 2008. The claims were very close to the MarketWatch-compiled economist estimates of 380,000, and last week’s levels were revised higher by 2,000 to 387,000. Continuing claims in the week ending March 12 fell 2,000 to 3.72 million, the lowest level since Sept. 2008.

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4. Speaking of hating wars, but at least trying to end them:

Thousands of Taliban lay down their weapons

General David Petraeus said 700 fighters have now been through a “reintegration process” and another 2,000 were in “various stages” of the process.

He added that NATO estimates another “couple of thousand” have “gone back to their homes and laid down their weapons” of their own accord.

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5. Yesterday was the first anniversary of the beautiful thing called “Obama-Care”. Here’s a good read from USA Today:

After One Year, Health Law Already Offers Lifelines

And, three terrific videos:

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6. I’m a polls wh**e, I admit. 🙂 I know we should not pay too much attention to them on a daily basis, but I also know tha we were all quite happy with this new PEW poll from yesterday:

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