I imagine that is what a large number of Libyan rebels/opposition are saying to the international community. Based on the news reports, and Anderson Cooper's furrowed brow, things aren't going so swimmingly for those standing up to Mad-Dog Qadaffi's government forces. True, there are military defectors among their ranks, but the rebel forces are vastly out-gunned and inexperienced. Its becoming increasingly apparent that their small-arms aren't any match for the armor and air-power that Qadaffi's troops have at their disposal. An English reporter from Sky News who made her way into the city of Zawiya, a battleground between the opposing forces, despite a ban on journalists, painted a pretty bleak picture on CNN yesterday. Predominantly unarmed civilians were being fired upon by government forces, and those that had weapons weren't necessarily crack troops. She said one young man was being given directions on how to fire an RPG right on the spot before taking on oncoming armor.
Now, I understand there are reasons for not wanting to get involved in the battle for Libya, particularly for the United States, we are fighting two other wars as it is. But I don't think those on the ground are looking for a full-fledged military intervention by the US or NATO or anyone else. Indeed, I believe they want this to be solely their fight. But how about some air-power, you know, a nice no-fly zone? I am no expert on what a no-fly zone requires or costs, but I think it is the least the international community. The opposition forces fighting on the ground are obviously going to be no match for Qadaffi's air force, and again, from the sound of things, his troops are beginning to make in-roads because of their superiority in weaponry. The implementation of a no fly-zone could nullify this threat, and in doing so but Qadaffi on his back foot. I think it would also send a message that everyone is firmly behind those opposed to Qadaffi. It was just reported that France has already given official recognition to the opposition council, so why not take it a step further and at least add them in their fight and perhaps finally bring the bloodshed to a (fitful) end. More importantly, lives are on the line here, if civilian and yes, rebel lives can be saved by eliminating the Libyan government's air threat, than it is well worth any risk.
Recent months have been huge for the people of the Middle East. The over-turning of rule-till-I-die strongman has been a long time coming. Unfortunately for Libya, it has been the most violent of any of the recent revolutions, and they are up against the most stubborn and in all likelihood mentally unstable of them all. Qadaffi has been running on borrowed time for too long, and what a catastrophe it would be is he somehow manages to stay put. The lives of average Libyans will become even more miserable, as he would certainly become as paranoid as ever. I think we in the countries that are capable, in the US, Europe and NATO nations, should be willing to step in and ensure the Libyans that have already died in their struggle will have done it for successful cause. Establishing a no-fly zone over Libya could well set them on their way.
Now, I understand there are reasons for not wanting to get involved in the battle for Libya, particularly for the United States, we are fighting two other wars as it is. But I don't think those on the ground are looking for a full-fledged military intervention by the US or NATO or anyone else. Indeed, I believe they want this to be solely their fight. But how about some air-power, you know, a nice no-fly zone? I am no expert on what a no-fly zone requires or costs, but I think it is the least the international community. The opposition forces fighting on the ground are obviously going to be no match for Qadaffi's air force, and again, from the sound of things, his troops are beginning to make in-roads because of their superiority in weaponry. The implementation of a no fly-zone could nullify this threat, and in doing so but Qadaffi on his back foot. I think it would also send a message that everyone is firmly behind those opposed to Qadaffi. It was just reported that France has already given official recognition to the opposition council, so why not take it a step further and at least add them in their fight and perhaps finally bring the bloodshed to a (fitful) end. More importantly, lives are on the line here, if civilian and yes, rebel lives can be saved by eliminating the Libyan government's air threat, than it is well worth any risk.
Recent months have been huge for the people of the Middle East. The over-turning of rule-till-I-die strongman has been a long time coming. Unfortunately for Libya, it has been the most violent of any of the recent revolutions, and they are up against the most stubborn and in all likelihood mentally unstable of them all. Qadaffi has been running on borrowed time for too long, and what a catastrophe it would be is he somehow manages to stay put. The lives of average Libyans will become even more miserable, as he would certainly become as paranoid as ever. I think we in the countries that are capable, in the US, Europe and NATO nations, should be willing to step in and ensure the Libyans that have already died in their struggle will have done it for successful cause. Establishing a no-fly zone over Libya could well set them on their way.
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