Better late than never in Libya
Friday, March 18, 2011
daily star lebanon
The eyes of the world were on the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, as it endorsed a resolution to implement a no-fly zone over Libya and protect the country’s civilians from military attacks.
The resolution was put forward by Lebanon, France and the United Kingdom, and Lebanon should be applauded for taking the initiative to seek an end to the bloodiest episodes of the still-unfolding year of Arab revolutions. The resolution is designed to end massacres committed by Moammar Gadhafi against his own people, and amid reports that the regime’s forces are headed for Benghazi, the center of the uprising, more massacres might take place if no action is taken.
The world can draw on the experience of the last few weeks: despite numerous calls for an end to military actions and violence against civilians, Gadhafi has shown time and time again that he will heed no calls that are made in the name of international law, human rights or any other consideration.
Gadhafi has vowed to cling to power by fighting to the last Libyan, and practically reveled in the bloodbaths that have resulted from his stubborn, destructive stance.
Naturally, the international community can be roundly criticized for waiting this long to act, but the decision by the Security Council is a case of better late than never.
Until Thursday’s vote in New York, the storm of condemnations uttered in the world’s capitals did nothing to help the people of Libya in their struggle to end the nightmare of Gadhafi’s bloody, repressive rule.
What is now needed is action, to prevent Gadhafi’s genocidal policies. Delays in acting against such cases of mass violence and oppression in the recent past have resulted in humanitarian catastrophes, whether in Rwanda, Kosovo, or elsewhere.
The people of Libya have already suffered tremendous damage to their society and economy, and only history can judge an international community that did not act earlier to head off the tragedy that was unfolding before everyone’s eyes.
The question now turns to how the resolution is implemented – how quickly, and how effectively.
The Security Council made it clear that its action should not lead to any type of foreign occupation, particularly since the rebels on the ground have been insisting on this very point. However, the no-fly zone could also lead to military actions against Gadhafi’s regime, in the event the no-fly zone is challenged, or military attacks continue against civilians.
There is an international consensus that any action taken in this bloody struggle should be in support of Libya’s unity, sovereignty and independence.
For now, the goals are clear: stop the atrocities, and help Libya and the Libyan people to exit their national crisis with as few losses as possible.
www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?editio ... z1GznDkJMbA RATIONAL VOICE OF REASON FROM THOSE WHO ARE MORE FAMILIAR WITH DEATH AND DESTRUCTION THAN MOST