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Thursday, March 17, 2011

Libya -- what now?

The UN passed a resolution this evening authorizing a no-fly zone and other necessary measures. This was a surprise. Russia and China were previously said to oppose the resolution, but they abstained instead of voting no. So what happens now?

As I write this, reports are coming from the main rebel stronghold of Benghazi that the people there can hear the sounds of the artillery of the Gaddafi forces attacking the city's defense forces. There are also reports of Libyan aircraft taking part in those attacks. No one knows how long the rebels can hold out, but in view of fights earlier this week, that time span is not likely to be very long. Benghazi may fall by the end of tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Gaddafi has made clear that those who opposed him will not remain alive very long once he retakes Benghazi. So, we are awaiting an imminent genocide launched by a crazy man. The real suspense is whether or not any country will be able to take any actions under the no fly zone resolution that can prevent the slaughter. The latest news says that the main actions in support of the no fly zone will come from British and French forces with only logistical support from the USA.

It will be the worst of all worlds if the no fly zone implementation is too slow to prevent genocide in Libya. Just imagine if tens of thousands are killed because the other countries were too slow to act. Let's hope that action comes quickly and genocide is prevented.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I think its past a no-fly zone, that was when the rebels had momentum. This may require troops! Does the US make it 3 Muslim countries that we are in? I say NO, thats insane. We have ignored genocide in Africa for a long time, not that its right. Just curious but I would assume some/all the rebels are al-Qaeda?