There is growing pressure for the U.S. and NATO to create a "no fly zone" in Libya. I don't think we should get involved in that mess.
No Fly Zone
- Thread starter Rockslinger
- Start date
At least a "no fly zone" is easy enough to get out of. I don't think we should put soldiers on the ground. I also think any intervention ought to be backed by the UN SC so that nobody singles out the US.
Ideally if any boots need to enter the country on the ground the Arab League will find the balls to intervene. Maybe Egypt? Spread the revolution a little.
Yes, it was just on the news. They are also asking for arms but no foreign soldiers on Libyan(sp) soil.
Apparently, Gaddafi is also negotiating an exit package but the rebels will settle only for unconditional surrender.
Where does the truth lie?
I think we should proceed cautiously, a no fly zone is a tactic not a strategy. No need to implement a tactic until the strategy is set.
OTB
OTB
Is it? Libya is a fair sized country and a significant "no fly zone" would likely require more aircraft than one aircraft carrier could provide. If we kept it up for a bit and then backed out we would look like fools. A better idea may be to target Libyan military air facilities and crater their runways beyond immediate repair. If they repair them then do it again. Take the ground away from their aircraft and give them no place to land.
I think that would be seen as provocative.
Here is the NATO view as expressed by the man from Denmark:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703580004576180400641158810.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
OTB
Osama bin Laden was considered a "freedom fighter" in 1980. Nothing good can come from getting involved. This is a Libyan domestic dispute.
Then we become observers. We froze Gadaffi's foreign assets, to what immediate good I'm not sure, so now evidently we just sit back and watch the mayhem.
As we American's are often reminded by others, it's none of our business.... now the fact that many of those reminding us of that have historically benefited from us not taking that advice doesn't diminish it's value just adds to the fun of the irony.
OTB
I don't think Libya's air defenses are very significant. I think France or Britain could probably impose the no fly zone just as easily as the US, and I think it's important that if *anything* be done, it be a joint international effort under the banner of the UN SC. Since Libya is a Muslim country and it's the Middle East I think you want to make sure there's actually a pretty firm global consensus on what to do, before doing anything. Unilateral action by the USA acting alone would be a huge blunder.
We are more than observers. We are evacuating our own citizens. (I heard that China has already evacuated all 30,000 of its own citizens.) We are also providing humanitarian aid to the refugees. We are also investigating Gaddafi and his inner circle for possible crimes against humanity. Plus, we have asked Gaddafi to stop killing his own citizens.
I personally think the US should opt out even if the UNSC want's to impose a no fly zone, we could vote for it but provide no resources. If we take any action the idiots will start barking about doing it for oil.... you know who you are...
I do think we should send food and medicine, get our people out and that's about it.
OTB
US Defense Sec't Bob Gates & JCS Chairman Adm Mike Mullen spoke before Congress last week on the idea of a NFZ. Both very clearly, but very politely, said that it is not a good idea. Politicians would be wise to heed the advice of their experts in this matter.
Humanitarian aid & assistance - yes.
Military intervention - no.
Don't invoke the usual cries of "american imperialism" or "war on islam" or yadda yadda yadda by getting involved. If the rebels win, their victory can be considered "untainted". If the rebels lose, then what? Expand the NFZ into attacks on Ghaddafi's guys?
Humanitarian aid & assistance - yes.
Military intervention - no.
Don't invoke the usual cries of "american imperialism" or "war on islam" or yadda yadda yadda by getting involved. If the rebels win, their victory can be considered "untainted". If the rebels lose, then what? Expand the NFZ into attacks on Ghaddafi's guys?
The americans cannot possible gain anything from involving themselves in this conflict.
However it does involve Brit business!
Recall Blighty did get a 'sweetheart' OIL deal from Col Gadaffy. So let Blighty take care of this. Surely Laddie will agree, after all England Rules!...
Will the Brits also recapture the "Lockerbie Bomber"? Is the "Lockerbie Bomber" still alive? Is Gaddafi the real "Lockerbie Bomber"? Maybe BP can send in a "snatch Gaddafi" team?
Seems that so called terminal and dying "Lockerbie Bomber" the Brits got sprung from prison around the time they were granted their 'sweetheart' OIL deal with Libya, is still live and kicking! Seems the diagnosis Brit health-care made was wrong.....
