Western Allies Seeking Arab Backing For Military Action in Libya

Context
European and US diplomats on Monday stepped up efforts to get the support of Arab nations for military action in Libya after some Arab leaders complained that air assaults seemed to go beyond the small-scale operation authorized by the UN. The Obama administration has emphasized that Arab support was vital for foreign intervention in Libya. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joined French and British counterparts during the last couple of days in phoning key Arab leaders to win their support after Libyan authorities asserted that dozens of innocent civilians were killed in Western air strikes. Meanwhile Turkey has opposed the involvement of NATO in Libya.