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Not so long ago …

In September 2009, a delegation of three senior Libyan military officers visited the US military’s Africa Command headquarters as part of an orientation program.

See Africom’s report here.

The Libyan officers held meetings with senior US staff members to discuss Africom's programs and activities, met General William E. ward and his two deputies, and traveled to Ramstein Air Base to meet Major General Ron Ladnier, the US Air Force Africa commander, and his staff.

Interestingly, Gen. Ward had earlier visited Libya twice in 2009, and also met the Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi, in May.

"It was explained to him that we were there not to threaten the sovereignty of any nation; that we were there to work in close cooperation, but only among those things that the nations wanted us to do," Ward said of his meeting with Gaddafi.

" ... it was about trying to enhance the stability and the security of the nations that we work with. We also discussed issues that concern security matters in Africa and how we look forward to working together in ways that help us achieve those common objectives for peace and stability."

Perhaps this is one reason Gaddafi expected international inaction when he launched his onslaught to crush the rebellion against his rule.

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