U.S. Military Launches Missiles Against Libya

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Military forces in the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom and Italy have launched missiles against Libya in what the Pentagon is calling "Operation Odyssey Dawn." The missiles targeted the areas of Tripoli and Misrata.

While in Brasilia, Brazil, President Obama made a statement about the United States' military involvement: "The use of force is not our first choice," the president said while on his Latin America trip. "It is not a choice I make lightly."

France was the first to launch missiles into Libya on Saturday. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said, "Our air force will oppose any aggression by Colonel Qaddafi against the population of Benghazi."

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"What we are doing is necessary, it is legal and it is right," said British Prime Minister David Cameron. "I believe we should not stand aside while this dictator murders his own people."

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What do you think about the United States' involvement in Libya? Is it right to step in to help civilians battle their current dictator, Muammar Qaddafi? Or is this a battle we can't win? Let us know your thoughts. (We'll highlight the best comments in our weekly comment roundup here.)

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Read more about military action in Libya on CNN. And also follow a constantly updated explainer post on all things Libya in Mother Jones.

In other news: Wisconsin Judge Blocks Union Law.

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