UNSC: Libya (Op-Ed)

By Emily Katz

March 24, 2011

With ten votes in favor and five abstentions, the United Nations Security Council approved a “no-fly zone” over Libya and authorized “all necessary measures”--including the enforcement of arms embargo and the freezing of funds and financial assets of Libyan authorities--to protect Libyan civilians.

The Western world seemed to have been waiting for the Libyans to sort themselves out; however, after weeks of news stories on Colonel Qaddafi’s continual violation of his people’s human rights and political freedom, the Western world finally took action. The council’s decision was a response to the Arab League’s appeal for international support. The UN resolution is largely sponsored by Britain, France, and Lebanon and has the ill-defined support of the Obama administration. The allied nations rightfully realized the risks of inaction are too high: if Qaddafi successfully crushes the revolution, the perpetuation of the violent regime would pose as a major setback for democratic development in the Arab world.

As the no-flight zone is established and aerial bombings of Qaddafi’s tanks and artillery begin, the U.S. is seen as relegating itself to a secondary position by allowing the European powers to take the military reigns. The Obama administration has not articulated clear objectives for U.S. military action, for it does not want to be involved in another Arab war. The United States is certainly feeling the pressure to assist the efforts, since this is the first time the Arab League has ever voted unanimously to reach out to the international community for support. I think that the administration’s ambiguity is somewhat understandable, for it is also feeling the pressure to wrap up the war in Afghanistan and to address our nation’s economic needs.

However, I also think that as a participant of the Security Council’s decision, the U.S. should completely get off the fence and fully contribute to the best of its ability. If we only half-heartily support the Libyan civil war, we run the risk of a stalemate and the failure of the whole operation. At the same time, it is equally important that the United States not be solely responsible for all the military action. Support from the Arab states and contributions from other nations are crucial. All 13 nations in the allied forces need to communicate with each other, outline a clear plan, and agree to make substantial commitments of military forces. A collective effort must be established to remove Colonel Qaddaffi and to organize an international peacekeeping force that will help rebuild the new Libya.