With a UN Security Council resolution passed authorizing a no-fly zone over Libya, and the use of "any means necessary to protect civilians", NATO powers are getting ready to enforce the terms of the resolution. The conflict in Libya is about to enter a new phase.
Draft language on Libya being debated at the UN suggests that international intervention in Libya may begin within hours of the Security Council vote. UPDATE: Resolution passes. The countdown to intervention begins.
If intervention is what is called for, it must be done decisively. Half-measures like a no-fly zone just won't cut it.
If I were a betting man, I would wager that the Security Council passes a resolution authorizing a no-fly zone for Libya. Probably today.
If you think military intervention in Libya is the way to go, a Security Council resolution is not something that is nice to have. It is a must. Otherwise, it is exceedingly difficult to see how such a mission would at all be in the service of American interests.
You can tell that Libya is a top priority 0f the Obama administration because they are not spending this week patting themselves on the back for passing a strongly worded resolution. Rather, the Obama administration is doing the hard and often overlooked work of making sure the resolution is effectively enforced.
The Security Council is meeting again today to discuss a possible Libya resolution.
The Security Council's press statement on Libya yesterday included a phrase that ought to pique some interest.
There are four main options for the security council. 1) Pass a resolution of some sort. 2) Issue a "presidential statement." 3) Issue a "Press statement" 4) Do nothing. Both 1 and 4 are not very likely.