Analysts debate goals of Obama Libya speech

What to expect from Obama's Libya speechSTORY HIGHLIGHTSNEW: Sen. McConnell asks Obama to explain America's security interest in LibyaHistorian Doris Kearns Goodwin says Obama needs to explain the U.S. military interventionThe president speaks to the nation Monday night amid fierce debateSome critics worry about the U.S. engaging in another war in a mainly Muslim countryTune in to CNN, CNN.com/live, or on the CNN app for iPhone tonight at 7:30 ET for live coverage of President Obama's speech on Libya. Then at 8 and 9 p.m., get expert analysis on "In the Arena" and "Piers Morgan Tonight" -- only on CNN.

Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama plans to address the nation at 7:30 p.m. ET Monday, following calls from across the political spectrum for the U.S. leader to clarify America's role in the U.N.-authorized military mission in Libya.

Both Democrats and Republicans have criticized the president's policy in the war-torn North African nation. Among other things, they have questioned the purpose of the mission, as well as its cost, endgame, and consequences for the broader Arab world.

Obama will speak at the National Defense University in Washington "to update the American people on the situation in Libya, including the actions we've taken with allies and partners to protect the Libyan people from the brutality of Moammar Gadhafi, the transition to NATO command and control, and our policy going forward," the White House announced Sunday.

The president has said that U.S. policy is the ouster of Gadhafi. However, the mandate of the military coalition is only to enforce a no-fly zone and arms embargo in Libya while taking other necessary steps to protect civilians.

"If the American people are uncertain as to our military objectives in Libya, it's with good cause," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, said Monday afternoon.

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