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NATO to Take Over Libya Mission

CHANGE OF COMMAND

Acceding to U.S. demands, despite French opposition.

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Sipa / AP Photo

President Obama’s breathing a sigh of relief this afternoon, as NATO has agreed to take over command of the allied mission in Libya. U.S. planes will not be involved in policing the no-fly zone the allies are enforcing against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, and the handover could be complete within days. The announcement comes after days of bickering between the U.S. and its European allies over how to proceed. Facing political opposition at home, the Obama administration—backed by Britain—was looking for a quick hand-off, while France favored a joint Anglo-British command.

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