Watch CBS News

The Obama doctrine: Are you a believer in cautious intervention? (POLL)

A Libyan rebel holds the Kingdom of Libya flag as he walks past a burning wrecked tank at a site bombed by coalition air force in the town of Ajdabiya on March 26, 2011. Patrick Baz/AFP/Getty Images

President Barack Obama took to the airwaves Monday evening explaining America's involvement in a military coalition currently intervening in Libya's conflict.

He said that it was America's "responsibility" to intervene in Libya.

"To brush aside America's responsibility as a leader and - more profoundly - our responsibilities to our fellow human beings under such circumstances would have been a betrayal of who we are. Some nations may be able to turn a blind eye to atrocities in other countries. The United States of America is different. And as President, I refused to wait for the images of slaughter and mass graves before taking action," he said.

A look at the facts, however, reveals some potential contradictions in his policy of only intervening in the face of brutal atrocities. What do you think?

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.