LA Times News

LA Times News

U.S. officials are at odds over Libya outcome

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 05:55 PM PST

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper expects Moammar Kadafi to ultimately defeat rebels, but the White House has a different view.

With forces loyal to Moammar Kadafi continuing to pound and push rebel forces into retreat, America's top intelligence official said the Libyan dictator was likely to prevail in the long term, a fresh indication that the current reliance on diplomacy by Western nations may not be enough to topple him.

Libyan rebels turn an oblivious eye to defeat

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 04:48 PM PST

In Benghazi, the party rolls merrily on as Moammar Kadafi has the rebels' comrades in retreat down the coast in Ras Lanuf.

Festive demonstrations were still rollicking after nightfall Thursday along the flag-decked corniche, as they have every night in the 22-day-old uprising against Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi.

Netanyahu faces test of political survival skills

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 04:03 PM PST

The Israeli prime minister's approval rating has fallen to 32% and a major coalition partner has left, leaving his government vulnerable. A proposed 'bold' new peace plan is seen as a way to boost his standing, but some say he is showing signs of desperation.

In a country where most prime ministers lose power after about three years, Benjamin Netanyahu's political survival skills have impressed many. Heading a fractious coalition, he has stood up to American pressure to halt West Bank settlements, diverted blame for collapsed peace talks and deftly navigated challenges from his right flank.

Intelligence chief James Clapper causes a stir with remarks on Moammar Kadafi and threats to U.S.

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 03:15 PM PST

James Clapper draws criticism for telling a Senate panel that Libyan rebels probably can't overthrow Moammar Kadafi and that Russia and China are the biggest threats to the U.S. The White House quickly offers its own views on those issues.

WASHINGTON — James Clapper, President Obama's director of national intelligence, is developing a habit that can cause problems in Washington: speaking his mind, unfiltered.

Tijuana's former top cop to tackle crime in Ciudad Juarez

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 02:22 PM PST

Julian Leyzaola, who is credited with restoring law and order to Tijuana, is named public safety secretary in Ciudad Juarez, where drug cartels have made the city the most violent in Mexico.

A retired Mexican army officer widely credited with restoring law and order as the top police official in Tijuana was named Thursday to a similar post in Ciudad Juarez, the country's most violent city.

Libyan government increases attacks; NATO moves ships closer

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 12:08 PM PST

As forces loyal to Moammar Kadafi pound rebels Thursday, NATO defense ministers meet on the Libyan crisis. The official response continues to be cautious.

As attacks by the Libyan government on rebels escalated Thursday, NATO said it was moving more naval ships closer to the North African nation's coastline but backed away from military intervention in the crisis.

NATO troops kill relative of Afghan president

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 11:11 AM PST

A nighttime raid targeting a suspected Taliban leader in Kandahar results in the death of a man said to be a cousin of President Hamid Karzai. The incident is expected to increase tensions over civilian casualties.

NATO troops shot and killed a relative of President Hamid Karzai in a nighttime raid in the Afghan leader's home province of Kandahar, family members said Thursday.

Kadafi victory or stalemate likely in Libya, a top U.S. official says

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 10:18 AM PST

James Clapper, director of national intelligence, tells a Senate panel that rebels are unlikely to defeat Moammar Kadafi and the U.S. should prepare. 'You could end up with a Somalia-like situation,' Clapper says.

WASHINGTON — Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi is unlikely to be ousted by rebels, the top U.S. intelligence officer has told a congressional committee, and the United States must contemplate the national-security implications of a Kadafi victory — or even a stalemate.

France recognizes embattled Libyan rebels

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 08:46 AM PST

France is the first nation to recognize the opposition government in eastern Libya. The move by French President Sarkozy is a diplomatic coup for the rebels even as their forces in the key oil city of Ras Lanuf were reportedly retreating under fierce assault by pro-Kadafi forces.

France became the first nation to recognize the opposition government in eastern Libya on Thursday, even as rebel fighters protecting a key oil complex on the Mediterranean coast were reported to be retreating under a fierce assault by government forces.

Libya rebels keep battling regime, gain French recognition

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 04:08 AM PST

France becomes the first country to formally recognize the opposition's governing council. Fighting intensifies on the main front line between Ras Lanouf and Bin Jawwad.

Libya's opposition battled for military and diplomatic advantage against Moammar Kadafi's regime on Thursday, winning official recognition from France and hitting government forces with heavy weapons on the road to the capital.

Dalai Lama to give up role as political leader

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 03:35 AM PST

The spiritual leader's move is intended to prevent a political vacuum after his death and ensure an effective response to Chinese crackdowns.

The Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, said Thursday that he will pass the reins of political power to the elected prime minister of the self-proclaimed Tibetan government in exile.

West not ready to intervene in Libya yet

Posted: 09 Mar 2011 04:58 PM PST

U.S. and other diplomats say the violence has not reached a tipping point needed for a military intervention.

On a day when Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi's forces again launched withering attacks against rebels using warplanes, tanks and artillery, U.S. officials and foreign diplomats said Wednesday that the carnage hadn't reached a tipping point necessary for a Western military response.

Libyan strife exposes China's risks in global quest for oil

Posted: 09 Mar 2011 06:20 PM PST

The evacuation of Chinese workers in Libya highlights Beijing's vulnerabilities as it partners with oil-rich regimes. Upheaval in Africa and the Middle East could force China to weigh political risks more carefully.

The Chinese construction workers and their families huddled inside their company's living compound in northeastern Libya, hiding from bands of rioters who were smashing cars and looting offices.

Dalai Lama to relinquish political role

Posted: 09 Mar 2011 11:08 PM PST

The Dalai Lama announces he will pass the reins of political power to the prime minister of the self-proclaimed Tibetan government in exile. The Dalai Lama will retain his post as Tibetan spiritual leader.

The Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, said Thursday that he will pass the reins of political power to the elected prime minister of the self-proclaimed Tibetan government in exile.

Ambassador nominee raises strong emotions in China

Posted: 09 Mar 2011 08:14 PM PST

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke has received positive receptions during visits, but vitriol flows on the Internet, where he is called a 'traitor' and is criticized for not speaking Mandarin Chinese.

The prospect of a Chinese American becoming the American ambassador to China is rousing strong emotions in Beijing, revealing a thicket of conflicting feelings about race, national identity and patriotism.

Obama taps top foreign policy aide as ambassador to Israel

Posted: 09 Mar 2011 07:28 PM PST

If he wins Senate confirmation, Daniel B. Shapiro will lead the embassy at a difficult time in U.S.-Israeli relations. He is the National Security Council's top Mideast expert.

President Obama is nominating a top foreign policy aide, Daniel B. Shapiro, as ambassador to Israel — tapping for the sensitive diplomatic post a Hebrew-speaking Middle East specialist who has been in charge of outreach to the American Jewish community.