that is a bit uncomfortable, but I think needs to be asked. What exactly has the conflict in Libya shown us about the state of the armed forces of Western Europe, Britain and France in particular? Going off purely anecdotal evidence about munitions and spare parts shortages I get the feeling that chronic underinvestment is taking its toll on the US's European partners, and reading Secretary Gate's comments from a few weeks ago, that the DoD is getting increasingly impatient with it's European counterparts.

Then again, I'm back in the nosebleeds, thoughts from those sitting closer to the action?