History As It Happens: Obama and Libya
History As It Happens
Host: Martin Decker
Release Date: July 8, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of History As It Happens, host Martin Decker delves into the intricate and controversial U.S. intervention in Libya during President Barack Obama's administration. Joined by notable guests Hillary Clinton and Dennis Kucinich, the discussion navigates the complexities of foreign policy decisions, the implications of the War Powers Resolution, and the long-term consequences of regime change in the Middle East.

The Libya Crisis Unfolds

The episode opens with a grim recount of the violence in Libya, where "140 people were killed overnight as dictator Muammar Gaddafi sent a sniper to crush protesters" ([00:34]). This brutal crackdown sets the stage for President Obama's pivotal decision-making.

Barack Obama expresses condemnation of the violence:
"Suffering and bloodshed is outrageous and it is unacceptable." ([00:42])

As protests escalate, rebel forces engage in fierce battles against government troops in eastern Libya. Martin Decker notes the involvement of French airpower in Benghazi, indicating the international dimension of the conflict ([00:50]).

Obama's Response and International Intervention

In response to the escalating crisis, Barack Obama states:
"I've also asked my administration to prepare the full range of options that we have to respond to this crisis" ([00:56]). This statement underscores the administration's preparatory steps for potential intervention.

Hillary Clinton adds urgency with a succinct:
"Now." ([01:02])

By the third day, Operation Odyssey Dawn gains momentum as more countries contribute aircraft to the mission ([01:02]). However, Barack Obama warns against expanding the mission:
"But broadening our military mission to include regime change would be a mistake." ([01:08])

War Powers Act and Congressional Dynamics

Dennis Kucinich criticizes the administration's unilateral actions, emphasizing constitutional requirements:
"He [Obama] was constitutionally required to make that case to the Congress and to get its authorization. He did not." ([02:01])

Hillary Clinton reflects on the post-Vietnam landscape, highlighting Congress's reluctance to constrain presidential power:
"We've come to a point post Vietnam, post War Powers Resolution, where Congress has been unable and unwilling to provide any guidepost to limit the President's ability to send force, massive force, around the globe with barely any consultation at all." ([02:21])

The discussion underscores a recurring theme of "mission creep" and the erosion of checks and balances in U.S. military interventions.

Historical Context: Gaddafi's Libya

The narrative shifts to the origins of Libya's turmoil, with Jeremy Suri providing historical background:
"In 1942, the third year of the Second World War, Muammar Gaddafi was born in a tent in the Libyan desert..." ([02:46]).

Dennis Kucinich elaborates on U.S. actions against Gaddafi's regime:
"The United States launched a series of strikes against the headquarters, terrorist facilities and military assets that support Muammar Gaddafi's subversive activities." ([03:17])

A pivotal moment is the tragic bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, which resulted in 190 American deaths, binding Libya more tightly into international scrutiny and sanctions ([03:39]).

Shift Towards Reconciliation and the Arab Spring

By 2003, Libya began to reposition itself on the world stage by relinquishing its nuclear weapons program and lifting UN and U.S. sanctions. Hillary Clinton recounts Gaddafi's attempts to rehabilitate his image, which ultimately unravel during the Arab Spring of 2011 ([04:44]).

Dennis Kucinich observes:
"There's still a revolution going on." ([05:22])

As protests ignite across Libya, fear of a massacre looms, prompting international intervention.

Military Intervention and Regime Change

On March 17, 2011, the UN Security Council authorizes military intervention through Resolution 1973 to protect civilians. The following day, Barack Obama announces U.S. and NATO enforcement of the resolution, emphasizing the threat of atrocities if left unchecked ([06:29]).

However, the mission rapidly transforms into an effort for regime change, deviating from its initial humanitarian intent. Jeremy Suri critiques this shift:
"This is a story about the unintended consequences of endless military adventurism." ([07:43])

The administration's legal maneuvering around the War Powers Act is scrutinized, with unclear definitions of "hostilities" allowing for extended military engagement without congressional approval.

Consequences of Intervention: Libya as a Failed State

The aftermath of the intervention is bleak. Despite Dennis Kucinich's assertion that Gaddafi's removal was necessary, Libya plummets into chaos. The impending massacre fears materialize partially with the tragic Benghazi attack in September 2012, resulting in American casualties and ongoing instability ([12:07]).

Hillary Clinton laments the failure to establish a stable government post-Gaddafi:
"They fought each other over power. Many of them were dominated by Islamic extremists." ([41:35])

This power vacuum mirrors the early stages of other Middle Eastern conflicts, highlighting the pitfalls of rapid regime change without strategic planning for reconstruction.

War Powers Resolution and Executive Authority

The episode delves deep into the legal controversies surrounding the War Powers Act. Hillary Clinton acknowledges that while President Obama attempted to comply by consulting Congress, many felt it was merely a briefing rather than genuine authorization ([33:14]).

Dennis Kucinich emphasizes the constitutional breach:
"Dropping 2,000-pound bombs and unleashing the massive firepower of our air force on the capital of a sovereign state is in fact an act of war." ([35:06])

The administration's argument hinges on the ambiguous definition of "hostilities," allowing extended military operations without formal congressional approval.

Broader Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy

The discussion broadens to encompass U.S. interventionism, with both Clinton and Kucinich critiquing the perennial involvement in the Middle East. Hillary Clinton states:
"The only historical lesson that's worth taking from this is that the United States needs to be less involved in the Middle East." ([47:13])

The conversation touches upon the "pivot to Asia" strategy, questioning its feasibility amidst ongoing Middle Eastern entanglements and highlighting structural challenges in prioritizing global interests.

Lessons Learned and Future Directions

Reflecting on Libya's trajectory, Barack Obama acknowledges the critical mistake of not swiftly rebuilding governance structures post-intervention, leading to Libya's descent into a failed state ([50:32]).

Hillary Clinton advocates for a more restrained U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing diplomacy over military intervention:
"The United States needs to be less involved in the Middle East. That doesn't mean not involved at all, but less is probably more." ([47:13])

Conclusion

This episode of History As It Happens offers a nuanced exploration of the Obama administration's intervention in Libya, highlighting the delicate balance between humanitarian intentions and the perilous consequences of regime change. Through incisive dialogue and expert analysis, the podcast underscores the enduring challenges of U.S. foreign policy-making and the imperative for constitutional adherence in matters of war and peace.

For more insightful discussions on historical events shaping our present, tune in to new episodes every Tuesday and Friday, and subscribe to the newsletter at historyasithappens.com or find us on Substack and Facebook.