Libya Updates!!!

Over the days since I last discussed the state of Libya, much has happened and at last, necessary measures have been put in place. As you have probably seen on the news, the situation in Libya leading up to the coalition strike only deteriorated as Qaddafi declared total war on rebel groups and effectively declared the genocide of his own people. Since then the United States has taken the lead alongside other UN members under General Carter Ham in a tactical assault primarily involving bombers and cruise missiles on Libya’s air infrastructure. However, these strikes have allowed us to also destroy army ground units and tanks threatening rebel strongholds.

Now, some are saying that the United States’ plan has been a cop-out of sorts. To put this in context, America currently holds a policy of no boots on the ground. Furthermore, we intend to withdraw from fighting for the most part after the initial offensive, only interfering when our “unique (military) capabilities” are called upon. This will leave the remainder of the conflict to other countries and limited US resources. Though I will agree that it is a bit disappointing to see this sort of haphazard effort, this intercession was absolutely imperative considering the circumstances. Little as these attacks may seem they completely turned the tables in a conflict where both sides held what can at best be described as primitive military capabilities in our modern age. Without our help it’s hard to say how many citizens may have been killed. Think of it this way; even as Qaddafi’s forces retreat unable to counter the powerful UN air strikes, they continue to snipe indiscriminatingly at citizens in towns along the way to the point that people don’t dare set foot outside. Furthermore, considering how thinly spread the US army is and the costs, any help is better than none. We have already incurred bills totaling hundreds of millions and any further support is likely to greatly add to that expense. Though you might say that there is no price on human lives, from a pragmatic perspective this is reasonable support.

As for now, the rebels hold out slowly gaining strength and confidence. At this point, I believe one of their top priorities must be to organize some form of government. If utter chaos and disorder are to be avoided a governing body must exist before the current state collapses. As in the interim board in Egypt or even the colonies of a freed America, some form of organization amidst a lack of rule will be extremely important.

The other heated question at the moment seems to be the decision of whether or not to target Qaddafi himself. I personally believe that this is up to the UN. Though killing Qaddafi may seem justified and may very well be the key to quickly ending this conflict, such a decision remains in the hands of those international magistrates responsible for evaluating war crimes and crimes against humanity. If we or any other country were to privately make that decision, it would go against what we deem as unalienable rights and would have great political implications.

In the mean time we must continue to take steps towards freedom and democracy in Libya and hope for the well being of the country’s citizens.