Gallup poll shows American's want to tread lightly in Libya

Americans Back U.S. Involvement in Libya, But Oppose a ‘Leading’ Role

While most Americans support some level of involvement in the military operation in Libya, there is strong sentiment against the U.S. playing a leading role with very few in support of a leading role, according to a USA Today/Gallup poll conducted March 25-27. The survey was taken before President Obama’s Monday night speech explaining his reasons for taking action. (Transcript).

The largest group among those surveyed — 36 percent — want the U.S. role to be minor. Twenty-nine percent support a “major role,” but only 10 percent back a “leading” role. Twenty-two percent want to see the U.S. withdraw.

Republicans tend to favor a stronger hand for the U.S. with 52 percent backing a leading or major role compared to 29 percent who favor a minor role. Democrats and independents lead more strongly to the minor role position, with 41 percent of Democrats and 38 percent of independents in that camp.

The Hill: Barbour to meet with Netanyahu in Israel

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) will visit Israel on Saturday, less than a week after Mike Huckabee announced a similar trip.

Barbour is scheduled to leave Saturday and will be in Israel until Wednesday of next week.

According to the Republican Jewish Coalition, which is hosting the possible 2012 presidential candidate, Barbour will meet with senior Israeli leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He will also deliver a "major address" at the Herzliya Conference on the last day of his trip.

Netanyahu has recently met with both former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) and ex- Arkansas Gov. Huckabee, both of whom have shown interest in running for president in 2012.

Visiting Israel and meeting with Netanyahu in particular are indications that Romney, Huckabee, and Barbour are working to bolster their foreign policy credentials.

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