US Recognizes Libyan Rebels

From Yahoo News:
"U.S. recognizes rebels as Libya's legitimate government"

The United States Friday recognized Libya's rebel National Transitional Council (TNC) as a legitimate government, a diplomatic boost which could unlock billions of dollars in frozen assets. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Washington would extend formal recognition to the Benghazi-based TNC until a fully representational interim government can be established. "The TNC has offered important assurances today, including the promise to pursue a process of democratic reform that is inclusive both geographically and politically," Clinton said in prepared remarks. "Until an interim authority is in place, the United States will recognize the TNC as the legitimate governing authority for Libya, and we will deal with it on that basis." Clinton's announcement came as the Libya Contact Group, meeting in Istanbul, formally recognized the opposition as the representative of the Libyan people -- sealing its diplomatic status as the successor government to embattled leader Muammar Gaddafi.

^ I see this as a good way to help the rebels fight Gaddafi without using American troops (ie bombing Libya, etc.) It is a civil war and it is mainly up to the rebels to defeat Gaddafi themselves. I do not think NATO and other countries should be bombing Libya (especially because it is not doing anything important to end the conflict.) I want to see Gaddafi removed to power just like most of the world, but the NATO intervention isn't effective. ^

http://news.yahoo.com/u-recognizes-rebels-libya-legitimate-government-125455845.html