McCain, Gates spar over Libya no-fly zone idea - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

McCain, Gates spar over Libya no-fly zone idea

WASHINGTON — In a verbal jab at Pentagon chief Robert Gates, Sen. John McCain endorsed consideration of establishing a “no-fly” zone over Libya to protect rebel forces and said it does not amount to “loose talk.”

Gates told Congress on Wednesday of his concern about “loose talk” of military options in Libya — saying it would be a major undertaking to provide air cover for rebels.

Without mentioning Gates by name, McCain, R-Ariz., said at a hearing Thursday that a no-fly zone was an option that should be given serious consideration.

In supporting comments, Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., said another possibility would be to provide U.S. air defense weaponry to the rebels and train them in their use.