FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The U.S. military has led the initial allied air attacks against Moammar Gadhafi's forces in Libya, which began this weekend. Something about it reminds me of the way the war in Iraq started eight years ago.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/images/03/21/art.libya.strike.jpg caption="The U.S.S. Barry launches a Tomahawk missile."]
But President Barack Obama insisted at a news conference this afternoon that the U.S. will soon step aside and that the mission will then be controlled by NATO forces and other allies.
It was the first time the president has answered questions on the topic of Libya since allied airstrikes began Saturday.
Republicans have sharply criticized Obama and his administration for the way they've communicated about the U.S. military mission in Libya.
House Speaker John Boehner says he supports helping the people of Libya, but he also says:
"Before any further military commitments are made, the administration must do a better job of communicating to the American people and to Congress about our mission in Libya and how it will be achieved."
Sen. Richard Lugar, the ranking Republican member of the Foreign Relations Committee, echoed Boehner's concerns, telling CNN's John King he doesn't understand the mission either and believes there are no guidelines set for success.
It's not a partisan issue… so far. A group of liberal House Democrats held a conference call Saturday because they're pretty upset that Congress wasn't formally consulted before the U.S. and allies attacked Gadhafi's forces. They are concerned that involvement in the airstrikes could lead to a third war in the Middle East in which the U.S. is involved. U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, even raised the prospect of impeachment over the president's actions.
Here’s my question to you: What is your understanding of America's role in the Libya offensive?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Kim in Virginia:
The mission is to give aid and stop the "genocide" of people who want to remove a dictator of 42 years who uses military force to stay in power. The world can't sit by and watch one more war of attacks on innocent women and children.
Steve in New York:
Obama is so slowwwwwwww. If Obama acted two weeks ago, Gadhafi would have been circled by his people and probably been taken out by his people. The result now is where we were with Saddam in Iraq. No fly zone for the next five years, while Gadhafi will be killing his own people.
Chris:
I just kind of figured it must have been some kind of a "wage two wars, get a third war free" promotion.
Loren in Chicago:
We get to spend the most money by using our expensive munitions to blast the command and control structure to hell, and the remaining countries get to practice their flying skills when it’s safe to do so. In other words, we bear the brunt of the expense, but no boots on the ground, so the President can say we aren't at war. Government by public relations campaign.
David:
My understanding is that we will take control of Libya's oil production to help bring down the price of gas in the U.S. After that, we're building a "Disney: Middle East" theme park on top of Gadhafi's main compound.
Michael in Virginia:
We are there to clear the skies for England and France. Once the air defenses are obliterated, we are in support.
Bill in Wisconsin:
Change the name of the country Libya to Iraq. Change the year 2011 to 1992. Change the name Obama to Bush. The bottle might look different but the wine is still the same.
Tony:
President Hillary Clinton has stated our position. She is doing a great job while her subordinates travel and play golf.