17 quotes
I’d like to update the American people on the international effort that we have led in Libya — what we’ve done, what we plan to do, and why this matters to us.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
Qaddafi declared he would show “no mercy” to his own people.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
Ultimately, it is that faith — those ideals — that are the true measure of American leadership.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
Much of the debate in Washington has put forward a false choice when it comes to Libya.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
To be blunt, we went down that road in Iraq.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
America has an important strategic interest in preventing Qaddafi from overrunning those who oppose him.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
There will be times, though, when our safety is not directly threatened, but our interests and our values are.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
For generations, we have done the hard work of protecting our own people, as well as millions around the globe. We have done so because we know that our own future is safer, our own future is brighter, if more of mankind can live with the bright light of freedom and dignity.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
Innocent people were targeted for killing. Hospitals and ambulances were attacked.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
To brush aside America’s responsibility as a leader and — more profoundly — our responsibilities to our fellow human beings under such circumstances would have been a betrayal of who we are.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
In just one month, the United States has worked with our international partners to mobilize a broad coalition, secure an international mandate to protect civilians, stop an advancing army, prevent a massacre, and establish a no-fly zone with our allies and partners.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
While our military mission is narrowly focused on saving lives, we continue to pursue the broader goal of a Libya that belongs not to a dictator, but to its people.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
I want to be clear: The United States of America has done what we said we would do.
That’s not to say that our work is complete.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
Real leadership creates the conditions and coalitions for others to step up as well; to work with allies and partners so that they bear their share of the burden and pay their share of the costs; and to see that the principles of justice and human dignity are upheld by all.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
So while I will never minimize the costs involved in military action, I am convinced that a failure to act in Libya would have carried a far greater price for America.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
It’s true that America cannot use our military wherever repression occurs. And given the costs and risks of intervention, we must always measure our interests against the need for action. But that cannot be an argument for never acting on behalf of what’s right.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)
As the bulk of our military effort ratchets down, what we can do — and will do — is support the aspirations of the Libyan people. We have intervened to stop a massacre, and we will work with our allies and partners to maintain the safety of civilians.
Address on interventions in Libya (2011)