Center of Gravity - Libya 1989
Abstract
Colonel Muammar Qadhafi, as a key practitioner of state-sponsored terrorism targeted against the United States, has become a focus of US national security concerns. US passive, defensive measures complicated Qadhafi's operations, but did little curb his determination. With the EL Dorado Canyon operation, the US moved toward a more offensive policy against terrorism. However, the operation did not support the proper national objectives, did not apply force to Libya's center of gravity, and hence, did not deter future Libyan sponsored terrorism. Libya's center of gravity is evaluated is evaluated in the context of US national policy and objectives, characteristics of the Libyan theater of operations, and the nature of the threat. Libya is found to have two strategic centers of gravity: Qadhafi and Libya's overdependence on petroleum revenues. Its operational center of gravity is the pipeline network that transport the oil to shipping terminals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA217357
Entities
People
- Lawrence A. Grannis
Organizations
- Air War College