Libya Again

The overall situation hasn't changed for the better. Gaddafi stormed the western-most city that was defying him, according to the opposition he destroyed it in the process, but nobody can confirm that one way or the other because Gaddafi isn't letting troops in.

There's goodish news in that the rebels have apparently (finally) made some officers. They've got an effort to retake the land Gaddafi took over the past few days that seems to be fairly organized.

Apparently we're pulling most of our jets out. In some ways that isn't a surprise -- now that the no-fly zone is established most of what the USAF is doing can be done by other countries. Specfically:

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates told Congress the U.S. will “significantly ramp down our commitment” to Libya except for electronic warfare, aerial refueling and surveillance.

It's not a total withdrawal of combat aircraft. If NATO really needs an A-10 for something all they'll have to do is ask. But since 20 of the 28 NATO member states and Qatar are contributing aircraft our boys don't need to be on the front lines anymore.