LIBYA MESS – AT 8:57 A.M. ET:  It is being noticed that 1) we apparently have no clear objective in Libya, 2) the Europeans are divided, and 3) the head man in Libya keeps attacking civilians.  Great way to go to war.

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- Loud explosions and heavy anti-aircraft gunfire rang out early Wednesday in the Libyan capital, hours after the nation's defiant leader vowed to win his battle with coalition forces.

The sources of the blasts and gunfire in western Tripoli were unclear, but there is a large military base in the area.

U.S. officials said while coalition forces conducted airstrikes Tuesday night, they did not "specifically target anything" in the capital.

Four days of military strikes by French, Britain and the United States' forces have rendered Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's long-range air defenses and his air force largely ineffective, military officials have said.

Here is the key:

But on the ground, forces loyal to the ruler continued their assault on towns with a rebel presence.

"Tanks and snipers are in the center of the city," a witness said early Wednesday, about the western port city of Misrata. "The people are living in a state of fear. Electricity has been cut off, water has been cut off."
The witness said hospitals are overflowing.

"Injured people are sleeping on the floor," he said. "Misrata needs help."

What if Gadhafi realizes he can win without air power?  After all, he didn't have much to start with.  What if the coalition really starts to fracture after a week?  Obama proudly announced that we are giving up leadership of the military effort, a disgraceful stand.  When you're the leader, you call the shots.  How will Americans react when they find out that American pilots are being ordered into action by Europeans?  Or even by Arab members of the coalition?  (There are reports that some Arab nations are about to join active action against Libya, but that hasn't happened yet.)

This column supported the initial attempt to establish a no-fly zone over Libya, but there apparently is no phase two, and not much thinking about it.  The president has been busy in Latin America.  The secretary of state seems adrift.  And, on the ground, Gadhafi continues attacking.

Some British officials are hinting that Britain may have to employ ground troops in Libya.  Obama has ruled out American ground forces.  In this he's correct, as Americans will not accept it.  But there is no coherent strategy because the man in the White House only knows how to organize a community.  The world is a different matter.

March 23, 2011