Odyssey Dawn, Unified Protector? Here's what it means...
Not surprisingly, I’ve received a lot of questions about what is happening in Libya in both my capacity as Commander of the US European Command (USEUCOM) and as the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR).
Given the amount of interest, let me address the role of both USEUCOM and Allied Command Operations (ACO) in Libya – the former in a supporting role, the latter acting upon direction from the North Atlantic Council (NAC). Forgive me if this blog runs a little longer than most – we’ve got a lot to cover!
Allow me to underscore that in both cases – as a US Combatant Commander and as SACEUR – our purpose with respect to Libya is to support the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR). The Resolution calls for humanitarian assistance; enforcement of the arms embargo; support of a no fly zone; and the protection of civilians. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to read the actual UNSCRs 1970 and 1973.
Now, let’s start with USEUCOM. As most of you know, the United States military is organized into geographic and functional Combatant Commands. The Combatant Command with the lead role in ongoing US military operations in Libya – titled Operation ODYSSEY DAWN – is the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM), under the very able leadership of GEN Carter Ham. USEUCOM is involved in support of USAFRICOM.
“Alright, Admiral,” you might think to yourself. “What exactly does that mean?” To be more precise, some of the ways USEUCOM is providing support include manpower augmentation (e.g., intelligence, operations, public affairs, etc.), contingency planning, communications connectivity and infrastructure, logistical support at bases within the European theater, and basing/overflight rights. Overall, USEUCOM has helped to enable the effective execution of the operation in a complex and dynamic environment; however, USAFRICOM is the lead combatant command capably directing forces in support of Operation ODYSSEY DAWN.
Let’s turn next to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Of course, all NATO decisions are based on the consensus of the 28 member nations. Any decision is, therefore, the expression of the nations’ collective will. While numerous committees and groups exist to explore issues and guide discussion, the primary decision making body is the NAC, chaired by the NATO Secretary General and formed of Ambassadors, Defense Ministers, Foreign Ministers, or Heads of State and Government. In permanent session, NATO nations have Ambassadors in the NAC, also known as Permanent Representatives or PERMREPS.
As you’d expect, gaining consensus amongst 28 sovereign nations is not always a simple matter, but when it does occur, it is a very powerful expression of the collective will that I mentioned earlier. NATO has reacted to the crises in Libya with unprecedented speed. If you’re interested in learning more about how NATO works, there’s a good interactive introduction to the organization here.
On March 22, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced the NAC’s agreement to enforce the UN-mandated arms embargo on Libya within the context of UNSCRs 1970 and 1973. NATO operations for Libya have been named Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR. Under the scope of UNIFIED PROTECTOR, NATO is authorized to enforce the arms embargo and the no-fly-zone (NFZ). This was just five days after the UNSCR passed.
The arms embargo mission is focused on assisting the international community to reduce the flow of arms and material into and from Libya in order to reduce acts of aggression against the Libyan civilian population. Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR will assist in reducing the flow of arms, related material and mercenaries to and from the coastal waters off Libya only. NATO nation ships and aircraft will conduct operations to monitor, report and, if needed, interdict vessels and intercept aircraft where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that they are carrying cargo in violation of the arms embargo or suspected of carrying illegal arms or mercenaries. This is being conducted in close coordination with international maritime authorities, commercial shipping, and regional organizations to ensure the free flow of legitimate shipping to and from Libya.
As for the NFZ, it was originally initiated by a coalition of primarily NATO countries coordinating under Operation ODYSSEY DAWN. It quickly became apparent that NATO is uniquely qualified to assume leadership of the NFZ, bringing both capabilities through its members' military commitments and coherence through NATO’s well established command and control structure. As we have seen in Kosovo, Afghanistan, operations supporting counter-piracy and other missions, NATO has the experience and expertise to lead this effort. On March 24, the NAC took the next step to approve enforcement of the NFZ, which puts NATO in that leadership role, just seven days after the UNSCR.
And finally, just last night, NATO Allies decided to take on the whole military operation in Libya, ten days after the UNSCR. As defined by the United Nations Security Council Resolution, our goal is to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas under threat of attack. NATO will implement all aspects of the UN Resolution.
The bottom line is that in both cases – on the US side and within NATO – we are seeking to protect innocent lives and allow Libyans the freedom to decide the future of their country. Important work, indeed.
Adm. James Stavridis
Commander, U.S. European Command and
Supreme Allied Commander, Europe
Find more blog posts tagged with:
- North Atlantic Council
- Supreme Allied Commander Europe
- United Nations
- no fly zone
- Operation Unified Protector
- AFRICOM
- Libya
- UN
- NATO
- Operation Odyssey Dawn
- SACEUR
- U.S. Africa Command
Comments: 16
Hi Admiral, thanks for the clarification. I will pass your comments on to some who don't understand all the military and diplomatic lingo. Amazing times. Susan Bales.
Admiral, Thanks for the clarity and keep up the good work. If you ever in DC don't forget to call or email us. Always be safe. Regards, Abigail
Sir, as someone who just spent time in Naples Italy providing intelligence support I find your words to be quite informative. I beleive you stated not only what the US has provided but underscored why it was important the US be a participant in support of this NATO operation. Thank you sir;
Libyans want a Libya free from Gaddafi and anyone else from that regime. To better understand, may I suggest individuals start interacting with Libyans, as I have been doing since Feb 18th? You will be able to talk to them about concerns and get lucid, intelligent responses which will inform and help. Try following these on Twitter @changeinlibya @IbnOmar2005 @feb17thlibya and start talking.
Admiral, USAFRICOM is in its introduction phase, and how much does NATO's military operation in Libya, help or hurt it's future progress? V/R Gedion
Hello Admiral, Many thanks for your outstanding leadership, and for your continuing efforts to communicate via your blog and other media. Your speech at at Flagler College last year made me more interested in what is going on in the wider world. This web site and your blog have provided some great insight into issues that are complicated and scary to non-military types like me. Thanks again, Pam Leydon
Sir, Thanks for the clarity. Too many peple in news media are putting their spin on what we're doing and why we're doing it. Stay safe.
Hi Admirial! As someone who has often been suspicious and mistrusting of US motives I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for what the coalition and US forces are doing in Libya. This is the right intervention, for the right reasons and in the very nick of time! Keep up the good work:-) Regards, Brian Coughlan
I hate to admit it, but I still have lots of reservations. Understandably, I am nothing but an armchair amateur military person who has strong opinions, and I have absolutely no idea how it all works. The Libyan operation just has so many inconsistencies and questions that make this all seem not right to the average American. I mean no disrespect, sir, but has anyone stopped to think about the consequences of this action that may occur in the near future? Most importantly Israel? These forces you are assisting will unite against them and us given the chance you are giving them. Qaddafi is a bad man, but here is praying his replacement does not finish the job in the middle east that all Americans should worry about. Here is praying that US forces are not helping that happen.
Thanks for stepping forward with this perspective - shared by many. A related question is why Obama hasn't covered the current issues in Israel - it is as though his loyalties are elsewhere, rather than with a long-time ally that is Israel. His bias is showing....and telling.
Thank you for sharing, Admiral! A mighty, mighty HOOAH to all our Soldiers out there !
Admiral Sir, I deeply respect the fact that you very often come out in the open, clarifying the military issues and I've been a fan and keen reader of your books. This time though please allow me some bitter comments because I do not quite agree with this Western-Protestant view of "Bad Qaddafi vs Good Rebels" situation. I would appreciate if I could see an unbiased political analysis in depth by you (I know you can do it). An analysis that would justify this selective intervention by the West. I mean why the Western Countries (yours included) were so keen in protecting some Libyans only, but not Syrians, Yemenis, Palestinians Kurdish or Bahrainis, or those suffering in the Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe and elsewhere? For the time being I have some questions relevant to your article from the Military perspective: --Are you assuring us that NATO will do only what is dictated by the UN resolutions? If so why are they bombing ground targets (what are the criteria?) Why these targets include only Pro-Qaddafi forces? -What about the armed rebels. Who exactly are they? Are they considered to be innocent civilians? -Will NATO hit rebel forces if they threaten Pro-Qaddafi Civilian populations (i.e. in Tripoli)? -Does the embargo applies to the rebels too? If so why were there rumours about the intention of US to arm them with weapons? -Finally what's the end state? What if Qaddafi allows for elections to be held under the supervision of the UN? Is this acceptable or the final goal for NATO is the defeat of the regime forces and the replacing of Qaddafi's regime with another similar but Pro-West one? Respectfully Gianni Markovic Independent Journalist
Jim, Glad you are in charge. I support our efforts in Libya and pray for God to give you all wisdom as you execute the will of the UNSC and NATO in this mission. Thanks for using this forum to tell it like it is. I am impressed with the openness with which you embrace this medium. If only more people in our government could understand when to speak out and be transparent and when to "keep secrets". Doug Wilson, '77
Glad you are blogging. But you have certainly not helped any LIbyan civilians while you are doing so! Get out there and fight!
Your inactivity in the west is mind boggling. You are letting in thousands of Chad military every day! You let these poor untrained middle class brave people lose all their gains in just the last two day! Why aren't you helping?? That is your task, do it.
Hi Admiral, thanks for the clarification but I have a silly question. The name of the operation ODYSSEY DAWN derive from the adventures of ancient Greek navigator Odiseas to return to his wife and his native island Ithaca after Trojan war ? The problem is that the duration of Odiseas adventures before clench in his arms his wife, was 10 years.So is this the DAWN of 10 year ODYSSEY like Afghanistan? Regards