The United Nations seems to have taken new division and new alliances in the weekend just passed, as the United Kingdom, the United States, and France have joined to throw support behind the “freedom forces” in Libya.
This is in opposition to the view put forward by China, and Russia.
The combined Western effort began on Saturday in the form of a counter-attack aimed at the Gadhafi loyalists at Benghazi. At that point, those in defense of Colonel Gadhafi were re-taking control of the Mediterranean seaport town of Benghazi. Benghazi is the area where just a few short weeks ago the rebel effort to unseat Gadhafi began. Initial reports called it a “Day of Rage”, in support of Egyptian students and other freedom fighters; other rebellions in Northern Africa.
In the early stages, Colonel Gadhafi sought to quell the popular effort with a raise in pay for some, and by the release of several hundred political prisoners. Gadhafi later denied that information, saying that in fact, Libya “had no political prisoners.” Reporting of day-to-day news events in Libya is difficult; one of the primary complaints of demonstrators in those early stages was government control of the media, and the government prevention of outside news coverage. Gadhafi was able to place sufficient restraints on global news agencies that they were unable to operate at all in Libya.
The Day of Rage developed unexpected popular support, and soon the world saw that the reign of Gadhafi was threatened. Gadhafi loyalists made effort to put down the rebels, now spread throughout Libya, with violence and bloodshed. Gadhafi was seen by the world as "murdering his own people."
The fighting between rebels and loyalists has been torn first one way, then the other, as the world has watched. Libyan oil processing plants have been a major focal point in the ongoing bloodshed. Some in the West in response to the violence called for a no-fly zone; then the call was extended to air attacks. A decision was made to allow the attacks on the loyalists, and it is those air attacks, Operation Odyssey Dawn, that have now begun.
United States Naval EA-18G radar jammers are assisting in enforcement of the no-fly zone being established. American Marine Corps AV-88 Harrier jets, with the capacity to take off and land vertically have been enlisted against ground targets, flying from the USS Kearsarge, which was in the Far East to work with Japan on regularly scheduled maneuvers; maneuvers that were cancelled following the tragic earthquake and tsunami. United States Air Force F-15s, F-16s, and B-2 stealth bombers also are taking part.
Article comments
1 - John Lake
I have an enduring capacity and tenacity about commenting on my own articles. In providing a link to this article for readers in New Zealand and Australia, I made some lengthy comment then a brief excerpt.
I like the excerpt better than the article, so I will share:
This again is to readers in that distant region.
"Liberal views run in opposition to what the United states, even the Democrats in congress are saying. Some suspect ulterior motivation. Certainly the Libyan "freedom fighters" have little established, organized leadership; we have no specific party or group to support. What is the overall plan for American and Western involvement in Libya?
The American government says it will participate at the beginning, then turn over the reigns. That same government says it is creating a no-fly zone, yet the royal palace is bombarded.
Most say Gadhafi tortures and murders; some disagree. The world needs documentation of more than a few instances, although those few we concede are heinous and bloodcurdling.
Is the West involved in military expansionism for oil? Why must the West denigrate and threaten China? Were I China, today, I would begin to build up for unexpected tensions.
comments are welcome from any source.
2 - roger nowosielski
I'm aware of the facts, John. More interested in your opinion of the present action.
3 - Doug Hunter
I'm not aware of the facts. I don't know who the rebels are or why we're supporting them despite at least a cursory googling. I did find one bit that claimed a disproportionate share of foreign fighters in Iraq came from Libya's eastern province and the Benghazi area. Are we simply picking Theocracy over Thugocracy? Do our intelligence agencies have any more clue than me or you? (perhaps I'm just being skeptical after Iraq)
It seems we take the atrocities claimed by the rebels at face value while chalking up the official government's reports as propaganda. I've seen shots of individuals killed and reports of dozens or scores of dead/wounded but whose to say many of those aren't the rebels themselves wounded/killed in a firefight? Maybe, just maybe, they're trying to claim fighters as civilians to garner sympathy, but I seem to be the only one thinking that. If there are major atrocities or routine bombing targeting innocent protesters in today's age cameras on every cellphone you'd think the evidence would be easy to find. It's much easier to find evidence of the carnage from the allied bombing campaign and actual video of bombs exploding already.
4 - Boeke
I'm concerned about the apparent evaporation of African and Arab League support. I thought we were creating a joint opperation such as Bush 1 did with Desert Storm 20 years ago.
5 - roger nowosielski
@4
That is the critical element, Boeke, one which provides the operation with an aura of legitimacy.