McCain visits Libya, describes bloodshed

WASHINGTON, April 24 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. John McCain, speaking in Cairo Sunday, said the situation in the Libyan town of Misurata, where Gadhafi forces attacked overnight, is "quite bloody."

The Arizona Republican had just returned from visiting Misurata and earlier toured the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, which he described as relatively stable.

"In Benghazi, things are quiet and calm, and they have a transitional national council that is basically governing the area under their control. In Misurata, it's -- it is quite bloody," McCain told NBC's "Meet the Press."

Saying NATO allies lack equipment and "the will" to properly intervene in Libya, McCain called on the United States to play a greater role in airstrikes over the volatile nation.

McCain said he would not, however, recommend committing ground troops to the ongoing effort to oust dictator Moammar Gadhafi in a battle with insurgents increasingly viewed as a stalemate.

McCain also weighed in on the possibility U.S. forces will remain in Iraq past December.

He said it may be necessary to retain troops to properly train Iraqis to defend themselves, but U.S. forces should be able to operate in a safe environment.

"I think we could achieve that. As you know, we have troops stationed all over the world. The American people aren't badly, deeply concerned about that. They are concerned when Americans continue to suffer casualties," he said.