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Libya, the West and the Narrative of Democracy
Forces from the United States and some European countries have
intervened in Libya. Under U.N. authorization, they have imposed a
no-fly zone in Libya, meaning they will shoot down any Libyan aircraft
that attempts to fly within Libya. In addition, they have conducted
attacks against aircraft on the ground, airfields, air defenses and the
command, control and communication systems of the Libyan government, and
French and U.S. aircraft have struck against Libyan armor and ground
forces. There also are reports of European and Egyptian special
operations forces deploying in eastern Libya where the opposition to the
government is centered, particularly around the city of Benghazi. In
effect, the intervention of this alliance has been against the
government of Moammar Gadhafi, and by extension, in favor of his
opponents in the east.
The alliance’s full intention is not clear, nor is it clear that the
allies are of one mind. The U.N. Security Council resolution clearly
authorizes the imposition of a no-fly zone. By extension, this logically
authorizes strikes against airfields and related targets. Very broadly,
it also defines the mission of the intervention as protecting civilian
lives. As such, it does not specifically prohibit the presence of ground
forces, though it does clearly state that no “foreign occupation force”
shall be permitted on Libyan soil. It can be assumed they intended that
forces could intervene in Libya but could not remain in Libya after the
intervention. What this means in practice is less than clear. Read more »
