Implied, not shaken

If I'm reading the tea leaves right, the NATO coalition has come to believe what ex-Air Force chief Gen. John Jumper suspects: “You’re probably dealing with a force that may not be totally motivated to continue this for the long haul.” The strategy now seems to be aimed at breaking their will to fight. In other words, pound the Libyan Army "hard enough to force them to oust Colonel Qaddafi, a result that Mr. Obama has openly encouraged." Which is exactly what the New York Times is reporting. The idea is to avoid stalemate on the ground and perhaps bring things to a head in a matter of days or a few weeks. This goal remains implied, not stated, of course. Yet NATO is serious about stepping up its game in this direction. The Times reports the Pentagon quietly sent "three of its most fearsome weapons" to scene over the weekend: two B-1B bombers, six tank-killing A-10 Warthogs (with laser-guided Maverick missiles or 30mm cannons) and two AC-130 gunships (bristling with 40mm and 105mm cannons). All of these platforms can deliver ordnance with pinpoint accuracy, even inside cities. Put another way, they are perfect morale-killing weapons. Here's hoping it works. Good hunting.