The fact that western leaders are considering military options over Libya is deeply disturbing. Within Libya, President Muammar Qadhafi's brutally repressive regime appears to be gaining the upper hand in what has become a civil war. Government forces are using tanks and heavy artillery as well as warplanes in attacks on, for example, the oil town of Ras Lanuf, which is held by the ill-equipped and largely untrained rebels. Almost all the western options talked about, or under consideration, involve illegal military intervention of some kind. British Prime Minister David Cameron floated the over-the-top idea of parachuting weapons to the rebels; and The Independent reports that Washington has even asked Saudi Arabia to pay for and channel U.S. weaponry to them. Some suggestions are crazier. Senator John Kerry has said U.S. aircraft could “crater airports and runways” held by the Libyan government; and Senator John McCain wants Mr. Qadhafi removed, possibly by a “coalition of the willing.” Another proposal is for missile attacks on government positions; the U.S. did attack Tripoli and Benghazi in 1986. Special operations, like the 1961 Bay of Pigs attack on Cuba or the deployment of secret agents, and cyber warfare have been mooted. The most widely discussed plan is for the imposition of a no-fly zone.
All these proposals, however, are deeply flawed. Arming the rebels would bolster Mr. Qadhafi's claim that a colonialist plot is being hatched. Mr. McCain's suggestions sound very much like the threats the U.S. issued in the lead-up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Aside from the flagrant illegality, such an adventure would take a horrifying toll on civilian population. An invasion would discredit the rebellion, and could turn the majority of Libyans against the invaders. The idea of a no-fly zone may appeal to western leaders because it gives the impression of action without excessive danger to their own troops, but it cannot be implemented without attacks on Libyan air defences. The rebels, who may be losing momentum, have asked for international help — but the conspicuous void is the lack of political pressure on the Libyan regime. The Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the African Union are yet to come up with a clear position. Western talk of military responses before anything else is not only hubristic but it also obscures the political failures that have led to the current situation. Above all, the military actions now proposed would constitute acts of war against a sovereign state and must be condemned outright. India, along with other developing countries, has done well to express its opposition to the use of force as well as to a no-fly zone to resolve the Libyan crisis.
Can't agree more with Mr.Amaruvi Devanathan. Time to come out of the bureaucratic mind set!
If the western powers, especially USA can surgically strike Ghaddaifi's hideouts/strongholds and can take out Ghaddafi himself with minimal damage to the civillians, only then they should a military option be considered. Otherwise USA should stop dreaming about invading and occupying another oil rich Arab country.
The main thing to keep in mind is the position of the people in Libya. Their position shouldn't be the same as that of the Iraqis who still are in doubt about in which govt. they come under! So the weapon attack doesn't make any sense. Moreover creating a no flying zone will be a meagre responce to the rapid attacks by the ground forces. Economic blockade and sustained involvement of the media may cause the difference. One thing is mind blowing it's not less than a crusade and we have already passed a week discussing the issue and still not came into a proper decision of our involvement in the case. Whats the world is waiting for? is still a question to be discussed in the next working hour of the government!
The western countries seems to be involved in a politics, which is for their own benefits. Everyone is worried about their interests. Some have still not taken a side and are waiting for the right time, which I don't think will ever come. The issue needs a prior international attention and action as well. Better if it is resolved using political powers rather then imposing war on the civilians to minimize the civilian loss.
Libyans will decide the socio-political course of their country. Any external influence to muddle into the internal affairs of Libya shall be the fit case of breaching into it's sovereignty by the imperialist hegemonic powers which simply is tantamount to flagrant and gross violation of the international laws. In the recent times the heinously desperate attempts by the imperialist powers to stamp their domination and authority in various parts of the globe (Kosovo,Iraq,Afghanistan,Somalia etc.) in the name of supporting democracy and freedom is a mere hoodwink and eyewash to establish it's domain of 'demon-cracy' all around the world. Kudos to the Editorial for setting the tone right in favour of sovereignty and equality of all nations.
The brutal regime of President Muammar Qadhafi is causing upset around the globe. It's obvious that the rebels cannot withstand against the fully equipped government. As you said, no solutions are come up yet to manage the issue. What will be the future of Libyans are to be seen. Indian government has done a remarkable job in looking after our citizens over there. It should be appreciated. Let us hope a good time for Libyans.
Your exhortation is most welcome.What Libya needs is not military intervention. The nation needs a political solution to its internal aberration precipitated by people's inner urge for liberation from autocratic rule. The combine of Western countries and the US plots a conspiracy to send Libya the Iraq way. A war plunge by the allies into Libya constitutes a violation of its sovereignty and would trigger untold miseries to its civilian population. The world at large will also have to bear the brunt, especially in the form of oil crunch. This should not be allowed to happen, as you rightly argue in the editorial. However, that the world reaction, including India, is against the American big brotherly attitude is a comforting factor.
If the people of the country were not satisfied with ruler of regime then it's up-to them whether to overthrow him or not.There's no moral right for countries outside to make their own set of rules and ask others to follow them blindly.All the leaders of those developed countries leave no chance to praise the Non-violent efforts of Mahatma Gandhi but no one follows those values when time demands.Even countries like India and China are not forcing these developed countries to initiate a proper action,but're voicing their concerns in a pretty low voice, only not to take a chance in their future relations with Libya and other middle-east and North African Countries where people're seeking the end of autocratic rule that yielded wealth but not freedom for them.It's time to make Mr.Qadhafi know what his country is ailing of and what his people are in need of.One should not deny that this ruler also had a support base among people for last 40 years which might have shrunk a little aftermath the bloodbath.I hope for a happy end to this unfortunate situation.
What or who is stopping the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the African Union which have such a great influence on Libya's survival from taking a strong and transparent stand on Qadhafi?
The thing that saddens me is the plight of the Libyan people.While one madman desperately clings to power, the rest of the world ponders and holds wonderful conferences.The newspapers of the world condemn the possible use of force and make vague references to 'political pressure'. They offer no decent workable solution. Foreign invasion is wrong and should be avoided; the loss of lives and another wave of anti-westernism can be done without.The rebels and the world have to try and establish back channel talks with the Libyan militia leaders carrying out these attacks and perhaps offer them some 'carrots' to turn against Gaddafi.This is one man's fight to hold on to power and he will go to any lengths to do that.
One way or the other, everyone, whether pro or con, is going to end up with blood on their hands.
So, what is the intent of this editorial ? The West's options are not correct. The Regional Arabic Councils have not arrived at a decision. Therefore give enough time for Qadhafi to complete the genocide? What is wrong in imposing the no-fly zone ? A cruel dictator bombards his own innocent people with air power and hence the world imposes no-fly zone in his state. What is wrong? Also, who is Qadhafi ? Is he the President or the Prime Minister or the reigning Monarch ? By his own admission, he does not have a position to resign from. Then what is he holding on to and why should the world wait and watch until the pogrom is completed? Let us come out of our NAM and Panch Sheel mindset and take a re-look at world affairs from an objective perspective without being biased one way or the other.
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