VOA标准英语2011--Gadhafi Death Marks End of NATO Mission

Gadhafi Death Marks End of NATO Mission

NATO's operations against Moammar Gadhafi's forces began in March, with French and British airstrikes on Libyan army positions. And it was French warplanes that ultimately brought the mission to an end, bombing Gadhafi's convoy¹ as it left his hometown of Sirte. NATO officials say they were unaware² the former Libyan leader was part of the convoy.

With Gadhafi dead, NATO's Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says the alliance planned to wind down the mission by October 31.

"I am very proud of what we achieved, together with our partners, including many from the region," said Rasmussen. "Our military forces prevented a massacre³ and saved countless⁴ lives. We created the conditions for the people of Libya to determine their own future. Their courage and determination in the course of freedom is an inspiration to the world."

President Nicolas Sarkozy of France and Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain had led the diplomatic push for a no-fly zone over Libya enforced by NATO. Six months after the campaign began, they were the first world leaders to visit the newly liberated⁵ Tripoli.

Reacting to Gadhafi's death, Sarkozy said it was time for a new chapter in Libya. "It's a war for freedom of the Libyans, for the Libyans," said Sarkozy. "We have helped them. We will continue to help them as much as they ask us to. What is true is that the operation is coming to an end, of course. But it's really up to the Libyans to build their future."

Despite the elation⁶ expressed by many world leaders at the victory of Libya's rebel forces over Gadhafi, analysts⁷ say questions will linger over the nature of the NATO mission. What began as a U.N.-backed campaign to protect civilians⁸ ended with regime change.

The U.N. and NATO are demanding an investigation⁹ into how Gadhafi met his violent death after being captured by Libyan fighters. That will be debated in the coming days.

Ultimately, NATO commanders say they are satisfied. The overall mission has been accomplished¹⁰ and the alliance seems to be strengthened.

1 convoy   

vt.护送，护卫，护航；n.护送；护送队

参考例句：

• The convoy was snowed up on the main road.护送队被大雪困在干路上了。
• Warships will accompany the convoy across the Atlantic.战舰将护送该船队过大西洋。

2 unaware   

a.不知道的，未意识到的

参考例句：

• They were unaware that war was near. 他们不知道战争即将爆发。
• I was unaware of the man's presence. 我没有察觉到那人在场。

3 massacre   

n.残杀，大屠杀；v.残杀，集体屠杀

参考例句：

• There was a terrible massacre of villagers here during the war.在战争中，这里的村民惨遭屠杀。
• If we forget the massacre,the massacre will happen again!忘记了大屠杀，大屠杀就有可能再次发生！

4 countless   

adj.无数的，多得不计其数的

参考例句：

• In the war countless innocent people lost their lives.在这场战争中无数无辜的人丧失了性命。
• I've told you countless times.我已经告诉你无数遍了。

5 liberated   

a.无拘束的，放纵的

参考例句：

• The city was liberated by the advancing army. 军队向前挺进，解放了那座城市。
• The heat brings about a chemical reaction, and oxygen is liberated. 热量引起化学反应，释放出氧气。

6 elation   

n.兴高采烈，洋洋得意

参考例句：

• She showed her elation at having finally achieved her ambition.最终实现了抱负，她显得十分高兴。
• His supporters have reacted to the news with elation.他的支持者听到那条消息后兴高采烈。

7 analysts   

分析家，化验员( analyst的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• City analysts forecast huge profits this year. 伦敦金融分析家预测今年的利润非常丰厚。
• I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts. 研究人员和分析人员的高素质给我留下了深刻印象。

8 civilians   

平民，百姓( civilian的名词复数 )； 老百姓

参考例句：

• the bloody massacre of innocent civilians 对无辜平民的血腥屠杀
• At least 300 civilians are unaccounted for after the bombing raids. 遭轰炸袭击之后，至少有300名平民下落不明。

9 investigation   

n.调查，调查研究

参考例句：

• In an investigation,a new fact became known, which told against him.在调查中新发现了一件对他不利的事实。
• He drew the conclusion by building on his own investigation.他根据自己的调查研究作出结论。

10 accomplished   

adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的

参考例句：

• Thanks to your help,we accomplished the task ahead of schedule.亏得你们帮忙,我们才提前完成了任务。
• Removal of excess heat is accomplished by means of a radiator.通过散热器完成多余热量的排出。