BULLETIN – FRENCH JETS OVER LIBYA – AT 11:09 A.M. ET:  Several news agencies are confirming that French jets are over Libya.  We don't yet know the extent of the action.

However, Libyan government forces have already entered Benghazi, the rebels' most important stronghold.  It is almost impossible to use conventional air power inside a city without inflicting civilian casualties, but air action might prevent more government reinforcements from entering Banghazi. 

We are reminded of Douglas MacArthur's admonition that all military disasters begin with two words:  Too late.  We hope it isn't too late.  Obviously, we will be following the developing action.

The president of the United States is in Rio, where the big issue this morning is whether there'll be a joint press conference with the Brazilian president.  Brazil, a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, abstained from the vote Friday authorizing military force in Libya.  This is an unfriendly act, and Mr. Obama, citing pressing business at home, might have canceled his trip to Brazil as an expression of our displeasure.  But Mr. Outreach doesn't do displeasure.

March 19, 2011