Libya

[AndyHB]

Almost put this in 'Putting the World to Rights' because of the nature of the topic.

It now seems that the coalition forces have effectively destroyed Gaddafi's air power, thus ensuring a no-fly zone; yet they are still at work, seemingly supplying air cover to the 'opposition' forces to move westward.

Do you feel that this is outside the UN resolution? Should the UN now be demanding a cease-fire and a political solution?

[tranchiebabe]

Do you feel that this is outside the UN resolution? Should the UN now be demanding a cease-fire and a political solution?

Probably, but whilst they have the bit between their teeth they might as well not leave the job half done. They made that mistake in the first Gulf War, when they should have taken Saddam out then. Think how many lives would have been spared, if they hadn't had to fight a second one with much less of a mandate!

If Gaddafi gets the upperhand again the consequences would be dire for the rebels, and lots of totally innocent people will be slaughtered.

[pow wow]

You know I haven't read the UN resolution. To be honest I don't care to.  I have no respect or use for the that organization. It is corrupt from top to bottom.
Gaddafi is no Mubarak. Gaddafi won't come to his senses and give up power. I don't think there is any haven for him to flee to. With his assets frozen even Zimbabwe will see no advantage to welcoming him. I can't see a political solution either. If he agrees to some type of compromise, he will compromise just until he's strong enough to annihilate any opposition.

[ecuworrier]

it's nice to have a US perspective (however unrepresentative it may or not be).... the UN is pretty weird organisation but then all these weird and wonderful 'world' organisations seem to be... pretty weird

apparently our little davie boy is busy trying to arm the rebels which according to the one person who has at least some experience of the middle east a junior backbencher is getting quite hysterical cos the Spirit of the UN resolution is being ignored...

groan

GOD BLESS!

Peace and Love,

[AndrewF]

There is no way out of the current situation while Ghadaffi remains in position.
Whatever the political leaders may say, regime change is the only exit strategy. The only question then becomes 'how is this to be achieved'?

[ecuworrier]

well... what do you suggest

GOD BLESS!

Peace and Love,

[AndrewF]

Thank God I am not in the position of having to decide! If I were, we would probably not be there in the first place, and certainly not in the way we currently are or with the backing of the wording used in the UNSCR1973 (bear in mind that the UK and France were prime movers of this resolution so had a major role in putting forward the final wording...).
Somehow the 2 sides need to be forced into a genuine cease-fire (possibly with a DMZ patrolled by the UN forces) until a free & fair election is held over the whole country... and then the international community has to make sure that the result is adhered to by all concerned. This however won't happen with the current mandate. What I expect to happen is that one of the 'allies' will sanction a special forces hit team to go in and take out Ghadafi and his sons (or possibly do it with an air strike).