President Obama's 'Dangerous Mission Accomplished' Speech

It seems that President Obama just delivered his “Mission Accomplished” speech but has the mission been accomplished? While the President says America’s work is not complete, he made it very clear that the goals in Libya have been met and now it’s time to let the World take the lead.

Wait a moment? Is Ghaddaffi gone? Have the rebels won the Civil War? This tense situation is not over yet the President went out of his way to let Americans know that the mission has been accomplished. How can it be accomplished when the result isn’t known yet?

Read the following line from his speech:

President Obama:  We have accomplished these objectives consistent with the pledge that I made to the American people at the outset of our military operations. I said that America’s role would be limited; that we would not put ground troops into Libya; that we would focus our unique capabilities on the front end of the operation, and that we would transfer responsibility to our allies and partners. Tonight, we are fulfilling that pledge.

That all may true at this moment in time but the civil war in Libya isn’t over yet. Did I miss something? Have I been sleeping?

President Obama also went on to say that, “I can report that we have stopped Gaddafi’s deadly advance.”

Would he be able to say the same thing if he delivered this speech in 48 hours or a week’s time? Politically the President better hope that the rebels advance holds.

The speech reminded me of President Bush’s “Mission Accomplished” speech in May of 2003 when the “Mission Accomplished” banner was displayed on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. That’s where President Bush announced an end to major combat operations in Iraq. He said:

"We have difficult work to do in Iraq. We are bringing order to parts of that country that remain dangerous... Our mission continues...The War on Terror continues, yet it is not endless. We do not know the day of final victory, but we have seen the turning of the tide.... In the Battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed."

Sound familiar? President Obama essentially said the same thing about Libya. He pretty much said "Mission Accomplished." The only difference was that there wasn’t any banner behind him.