ICC Arrest Warrant Further Erodes Gaddafi’s Legitimacy: White House

The US government has commented that an arrest warrant for Moammar Gaddafi by the International Criminal Court further erodes the legitimacy of his rule.

It's another indication that Muammar Gaddafi has lost his legitimacy, White House spokesman Jay Carney said.

However, the US military presence in Libya has raised much criticism and opposition from Washington lawmakers. The House just denied – by an overwhelming margin – president Barack Obama’s right to authorize military intervention in Libya.

Prior to the vote, House Speaker John Boehner said This is primarily a fight between the Congress and the President over his unwillingness to consult with us before making this decision.

Obama responded to that vote by asserting that congressional approval for such a mission is not necessary – further confusing the situation.

However, the House also voted down a proposal to reduce funding for the Libyan campaign.

Kevin McCarthy, a Republican Congressman from California, addressed the dichotomy this way: I think we sent a message to the president on the first vote. The first vote [on Obama’s right to authorize Libyan military action] is the vote that matters the most at sending the message today.