They will act as a stabilising force to assist the U.N. in allowing the transition to a new government.

CNN: UK troops ready for Afghan role

The Obama administration has asked the Supreme Court to strike down the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which bars federal recognition of gay marriage, and in n a separate case asked the high court to overturn California's ban on same-sex marriage.

WSJ: GOP's Portman Supports Gay Marriage

The sanctions were expanded by the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996, which cited Libya's failure to comply with U.N. resolutions, support of terrorism and efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction.

CNN: U.S. lifts most sanctions against Libya

No one can any longer doubt the U.S. determination not to act before the Italians do, or until the Saudis approve, or without a U.N. resolution.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: The Obama Doctrine