The Hill News

Political unrest in northern Africa and the Mideast will continue for months and deserves continued close observation, according to the former top House Republican on the Select Intelligence Committee.

"Continue to watch Libya. This is only the beginning of what will be serious challenges in the ME. This will go on for months," Former Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.) tweeted Monday.

Legislators and American foreign intelligence officials have continued to keep a close eye on bloody clashes between Libyan citizens and the government of Col. Moammar Gadhafi, Libya's leader.

In support of a regime change, President Obama has repeatedly called for Gadhafi to step down.

Obama said Monday that, because of the "unacceptable" use of violence by Gadhafi's forces trying to retain control o! f the country, a military response by NATO was in consideration.