[OldDeckHand]

"Alright, but when did this fact become apparent to all concerned "

For more than a decade.

"I first began hearing talk that the 'rebels' were in actual fact, Al Qaeda, only days ago."

There were plenty of people - including former CIA Analyst Michael Schuerer(sp?) - who have said our involvement in this mess would be a huge benefit to al-Qaeda. People didn't listen.

The Middle East is a complicated place. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to wait, patiently.

[Windflier]

For more than a decade.

You're telling me that it's been clear for over ten years, that Al Qaeda has been trying to topple Kaddafi?