LONDON – The British press has accused President Barack Obama of launching an unprecedented verbal attack on British Prime Minister David Cameron in a magazine interview.
In the interview with The Atlantic, Obama faults Cameron and other allies for shortcomings in dealing with Libya after the 2011 ouster of longtime dictator Col. Moammar Gadhafi
The Times newspaper said Friday Obama’s criticism was “extraordinary” and The Independent front page headline says “Obama savages Cameron over Libya.”
In the interview, Obama said Cameron had been “distracted” by other issues after Gadhafi’s fall. Libya has since descended into lawlessness and become a haven for Islamic State extremists.
White House officials have tried to squelch the controversy by telling the BBC that the United States values Britain’s contributions. The two countries have long been close allies.