Mr Obama named the failure to plan for the aftermath of Col Gaddafi’s ousting as Libyan leader, which sparked years of instability that are only just showing signs of easing. Whether it be pride, a reluctance to show weakness or not wanting to hand opponents ammunition, such admissions do not come easily. They tend to come out of political necessity, when a president’s term is coming to an end or, safer still, when they are out of office altogether.
Obama, Libya and all the presidents’ regrets
