LIBYA: What to do now...

With the world’s attention now focused on Japan and the earthquake/Tsunami disaster there, the crisis in Libya has lost some of its exposure in the media but it has not gone away.

In fact, Moammar Khadafy and his armed supporters (army and air force) are making headway against the rebels who initially made some gains but now are being out-gunned.

What should we do?

The usual hawks (same as the ones that wanted us to invade Iraq and what a great move that was) are at it again urging President Obama to take immediate military action…and do what?

Khadafy is a nut case but is a nut case with money which he will give to his supporters who will also get lucrative jobs and government positions unlike if the rebels win and go after the privileged Khadafy supporters.

So we have a civil war going on…right?

The Arab League of Nations has just asked the United Nations to intervene…and do what?

Libya is in northern Africa and there is an African League of Nations…should they do something?

Why is it always up to the U.S.?

How about Europe? They have a strong military; why don’t they intervene?

The Libyan rebels are asking for a no-fly zone to be established and with that they can win (they claim) but no foreign troops on our land. A no-fly zone over Libya would prevent Khadafy from using his planes and helicopters to bomb the rebels. He still has artillery which could do a lot of damage to the rebel positions.

To establish a no-fly zone, the air force would have to destroy all anti-aircraft batteries, missiles, etc.; Libya would have to be bombed. After that, surveillance of the air space above Libya would have to be 24/7 and any attempt by Khadafy to launch an air attack would have to be quashed by superior air power. With a no-fly zone, the rebels feel they would have a level fighting field.

What if Khadafy wins? He has been in power for 40 years. Many rebels will die and things will eventually get back to normal but remember Khadafy is nuts and he will remember those who opposed him and will try to create some mischief; but what about the people?

So we are talking about the humanitarian aspect of this or are we talking about freedom(s) or the right thing to do and all that? Are we talking about changing the Arab world into a progressive world with a chance at prosperity for the masses? Well then, it would help matters if the rebels won and Khadafy go into exile with all his supporters.

That decision should not be made by the U.S. alone…the world needs to start taking a role in this…that is why the United Nations is called the United Nations…do something!

Related articles

• Libya: Khadafy loyalists take momentum from rebels (sfgate.com)
• Khadafy forces halt Libyan rebels drive on capital (sfgate.com)
• Khadafy loyalists force Libyan rebels to retreat (sfgate.com)
• Prepare for no-fly zone, says Kerry (boston.com)
• Kerry: US, allies should plan for no-fly zone over Libya (boston.com)
• Rebels consider seeking help against Khadafy - Boston Globe (news.google.com)