U.S. General Sees Stalemated Situation In Libya

Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi

A top U.S. general says that a stalemate appears to be emerging in Libya between rebels and forces loyal to leader Muammar Qaddafi.

General Carter Ham, who led the coalition air campaign in Libya before handing over
command to NATO, made his remarks on April 7 at a Senate hearing in Washington.

When asked whether he thought the United States should arm the rebels, Ham said: "Not without a better understanding of who the opposition force is."

His remarks will likely to further debate in the United States about next steps in Libya.

U.S. President Barack Obama has ruled out sending in ground forces to Libya, and administration officials have stressed the limits of U.S. involvement in what could become a protracted civil war.

compiled from agency reports