US presses allies to do more in Libya

Associated Press

BRUSSELS

The Obama administration challenged five key military allies Wednesday to take on a greater share of the NATO-led air campaign against Moammar Gadhafi’s forces, illustrating the strains of a three-month intervention in Libya that has no time frame for an exit.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates delivered the pointed message in a goodbye to his counterparts from NATO ahead of his retirement next month, senior American and British officials said. But none of the nations that were challenged pledged to do more.

The pressure on Germany, Poland, Spain, Turkey and Netherlands comes as the alliance continues with intensified airstrikes on Libya’s capital and only a day after President Barack Obama played down any suggestions of a rift with German Chancellor Angela Merkel over her nation’s lack of contribution to the war effort.