In a briefing on July 25, Mullen said NATO has reduced Gadhafi's
military capabilities, Middle East Newsline reported. But the Libyan rebels have been unable to capitalize
and significantly advance toward Tripoli.
"Certainly, I have been impressed with what NATO has done here, how fast
it got together with the pressure that it's brought on Gadhafi," Mullen
said. "It's dramatically attritted his forces, his major forces. That said,
there's still plenty of challenges associated with the regime forces who
have adjusted — that's not a surprise — adjusted to the opposition
tactics."
The United States has been regarded as a marginal player in the NATO
mission in Libya. Washington was said to be limited to a support role and
not participating in daily combat raids on Gadhafi assets.
Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama does not
have plans to raise its profile in the NATO mission. They said Washington
would not provide weapons to the Libyan rebels.
"There's no decision to arm the [Transitional National Council] TNC on
the part of the United States," Mullen said. "And secondly, I think, as I've
said in the past, in the end the political outcome is the one that we see."