The New Republic:
Politics
03/07/11
Intervention: Four Options for U.S. Military Action in Libya Steven Metz
As Americans became transfixed by the violence and chaos
in Libya, calls for U.S. military action arose across the political spectrum.
Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman, among others, advocated the creation of
a no-fly zone and arming anti-government forces. Meanwhile, opponents of
military action have warned that the use of force is almost never as easy,
quick, or cheap as it first appears; Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and U.S.
Central Command’s General James Mattis have noted that even establishing a
no-fly zone would be difficult and dangerous. Weighing in on the debate, the
Arab League last week rejected any foreign intervention, whether by Arab states
or other nations, including the United States.
Amid this debate, whether the U.S. decides to undertake military action will depend on many factors, including what moves Qaddafi makes next, whether Arab governments endorse foreign assistance, and, critically, whether the political, economic, and military costs of action would exceed those of inaction. But, if the United States decides to take action, what is it likely to do? There are four intervention options the Obama administration would likely choose from among, depending on the circumstances and goals at the time.
Continue reading "Intervention: Four Options for U.S. Military Action in Libya" |
03/07/11
Intervention: Four Options for U.S. Military Action in Libya Steven Metz
As Americans became transfixed by the violence and chaos
in Libya, calls for U.S. military action arose across the political spectrum.
Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman, among others, advocated the creation of
a no-fly zone and arming anti-government forces. Meanwhile, opponents of
military action have warned that the use of force is almost never as easy,
quick, or cheap as it first appears; Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and U.S.
Central Command’s General James Mattis have noted that even establishing a
no-fly zone would be difficult and dangerous. Weighing in on the debate, the
Arab League last week rejected any foreign intervention, whether by Arab states
or other nations, including the United States.Amid this debate, whether the U.S. decides to undertake military action will depend on many factors, including what moves Qaddafi makes next, whether Arab governments endorse foreign assistance, and, critically, whether the political, economic, and military costs of action would exceed those of inaction. But, if the United States decides to take action, what is it likely to do? There are four intervention options the Obama administration would likely choose from among, depending on the circumstances and goals at the time.
Continue reading "Intervention: Four Options for U.S. Military Action in Libya" |
