NATO’s “Operation Unified Protector” in Libya was a major success for the alliance, but America’s decision to let Europe assume the leading role also signaled its intention to “rebalance” its global priorities. With the US intent on shifting its attention from Europe’s sphere of vital interests, the Mediterranean and the Middle East, to Asia and the Pacific, it can no longer be expected to take the lead in resolving crises in Europe’s backyard.
欧洲经不起袖手旁观了。北约在利比亚的“联合保护行动”（Operation Unified Protector）是该联盟的一次大获全胜，但美国决定让欧洲承担领导责任也表明其意在“再平衡”其全球优先级。美国意在将注意力从欧洲关键利益区——地中海和中东地区——转向亚太地区，不用指望它会继续担当解决欧洲后院危机的领导角色。