We are being told that, on the one hand, we are attacking Gaddafi's forces in order to protect the lives of Libya's civilians, for whom he has total disregard. Sidebar: the extent of the slaughter raises this question: Are we dealing with a psychopath (see this blog, prior post)?
On the other hand, we hear from General Ham that Gaddafi is not a target of the U.S., that indeed this entire war could end with Gaddafi still in control.
Those two positions are mutually exclusive. If Gaddafi remains in power, what do you think he will do to the civilians who opposed him in the recent conflict? Shower them with flowers and candy? It is too early for the former, too late for the latter.