Libya and the Moroccan Moment

By Dr. Chris Seiple on 25 March 2011

With the crisis in Libya continuing and many questioning the Administration's lack of leadership, Dr. Chris Seiple  urges the President to act with more decisive action toward Libya in the context of U.S. goals for the Middle East/North Africa region and come alongside the emerging model in Morocco.

In his blog response for the National Journal's National Security Expert Blog, Dr. Seiple notes how America's response to the situation in Libya will have a lasting effect on its relations with the Arab world: "Libya is about more than Libya, it is the opportunity to "reset" relations with the Arab world, especially its next generation. After 60+ years of being too close to Arab authoritarianism, America now has the imperative opportunity to establish a new pattern of relationship with a new generation of Arab leaders."

Dr. Seiple concludes by stating, "In Libya there is still time to redeem our non-leadership. In Morocco, there is time to lead by supporting a leader and country defined by what they are for, not what they are against. May America choose wisely, while it still has time to choose."

To read Dr. Seiple's full response as well as the thoughts of other insiders who commented on this issue, click here.  

Last updated 25 March 2011