McCain applauds popular uprisings in Arab world

[August 23, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. John McCain says popular uprisings across the Arab world signal "a much brighter day" for people who have never known democracy and freedom.

The Arizona Republican says Libyan ruler Moammar Gadhafi's days are numbered. But he also says, "How long it takes and how long he holds out, I can't tell you exactly."

McCain tells CBS' "The Early Show" that while the U.S. should play a role in helping Libya in a post-Gadhafi transition, European nations should take the lead. He says, "I think we ought to really be turning our attention to national reconciliation, to not having revenge killings going on."

The top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee applauds the pressure for liberation in the region, but concedes, "We don't know where it will all end."

[Associated Press]

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