Regarding Libya, I am concerned that there is not a clear endgame. If our role was to knock out the Libyan air force in order to level the playing field, then that task has apparently been accomplished. However, if our role is to ensure regime change, then the justification for our involvement becomes less apparent.

From what I read, we are not certain of the positions of Libya’s opposition and it’s unclear who serves as its leadership. If that is the case and our involvement merely leads to a civil war, then I am not confident that long term American involvement is in our best interest.

The President’s position, voiced as well by Secretary Clinton, does not seem to be in lock step with our NATO allies and likely would not receive the absolute support of the Arab League.

I am troubled at the manner in which the American government seems to take differing postures on the civil strife in the Arab world. If the government cracking down on peaceful protests is a friend to the United States, our response seems to be markedly different than our response in countries at political odds with us.

How can we, as the beacon of world freedom, choose to get involved militarily in regime change in countries like Libya and then remain silent or acquiesce to government crackdown on people rallying for democratic change in Syria, Jordan, Bahrain or Saudi Arabia?

On a more fundamental level, I am concerned about the spreading thin of our American resources at a time of fiscal crisis. The Obama administration made significant inroads early on in its first term in dealing with the Arab world (many say at the expense of its Israeli friends). I wonder whether the current approach is a concern to some of our so-called friends in the Middle East, who may wonder whether their reign may be the next targeted for change.

The United States remains the world’s sole superpower. We should continue to be the shining light of freedom and democracy and set the example for all peoples. Intervention is appropriate and must be done to stop impending genocide. Where at all possible this intervention should be done with the aid of other, like-minded countries.

Congress should approve any military involvement where time allows.

Jay Umansky, an attorney, is president of the St. Louis Region of the American Jewish Congress. The views he presents in this column are his own.