Libyan Civil War Megathread

[Caliga]

However, I have read elsewhere that Gadaffi was planning a Francoesque retirement- return of the monarchy, creation of a democracy, etc... which would be nice. But thats assuming it was true to begin with let alone now...

The guy is a lunatic.  There's no way to predict his behavior, even when based on what he may or may not have said at some point in the past.

[Admiral Yi]

Probably the biggest problem with not getting involved, is Gadhafi winning.

With all the Western denouncements, once back in complete control, he'd be absolutely insufferable after that.

What's wrong with Gadhafi?  He's a hoot.

[Tonitrus]

We'd never be able to take the sanctions off* again without looking like dumbasses, and he'd probably go right back into terrorist shenanigans.  There could be no incentive not to.  And he'd have no reason not to supply them with all sorts of annoying/deadly (for us) crap.


*The Euros would probably buy his oil again eventually, however.

[garbon]

The moment we get involved, even with a no fly zone, we take on some responsibility for events as they unfold, and thus risk getting drawn into things further.  Fuck that.

Meh, I live in America and we are burdened with responsibility whether we act or don't act. Hardly a compelling reason to do nothing.

[Darth Wagtaros]

The moment we get involved, even with a no fly zone, we take on some responsibility for events as they unfold, and thus risk getting drawn into things further.  Fuck that.

Meh, I live in America and we are burdened with responsibility whether we act or don't act. Hardly a compelling reason to do nothing.

Indeed.  We'll be blamed for it somehow.

[jimmy olsen]

The moment we get involved, even with a no fly zone, we take on some responsibility for events as they unfold, and thus risk getting drawn into things further.  Fuck that.

Meh, I live in America and we are burdened with responsibility whether we act or don't act. Hardly a compelling reason to do nothing.

Indeed.  We'll be blamed for it somehow.

If Gaddaffi wins we'll be blamed for not taking him down. If we take him down we'll be bashed for being evil imperialists. If we're going to be bashed either way I'd rather do something that has the possibility of a positive outcome. Therefore, I'm in favor of a no-fly zone and perhaps some airstrikes.

[Darth Wagtaros]

The moment we get involved, even with a no fly zone, we take on some responsibility for events as they unfold, and thus risk getting drawn into things further.  Fuck that.

Meh, I live in America and we are burdened with responsibility whether we act or don't act. Hardly a compelling reason to do nothing.

Indeed.  We'll be blamed for it somehow.

If Gaddaffi wins we'll be blamed for not taking him down. If we take him down we'll be bashed for being evil imperialists. If we're going to be bashed either way I'd rather do something that has the possibility of a positive outcome. Therefore, I'm in favor of a no-fly zone and perhaps some airstrikes.

On who?  The rebels, as have been pointed out, are a mob.  Will you be in favor of airstrikes on them if a bunch of crazies take over and nuke DC?

[Tonitrus]

The moment we get involved, even with a no fly zone, we take on some responsibility for events as they unfold, and thus risk getting drawn into things further.  Fuck that.

Meh, I live in America and we are burdened with responsibility whether we act or don't act. Hardly a compelling reason to do nothing.

Indeed.  We'll be blamed for it somehow.

If Gaddaffi wins we'll be blamed for not taking him down. If we take him down we'll be bashed for being evil imperialists. If we're going to be bashed either way I'd rather do something that has the possibility of a positive outcome. Therefore, I'm in favor of a no-fly zone and perhaps some airstrikes.

On who?  The rebels, as have been pointed out, are a mob.  Will you be in favor of airstrikes on them if a bunch of crazies take over and nuke DC?

I haven't seen the news story about Gadhafi dispersing crowds with nuclear weapons.

[Mr.Penguin]

I highly doubt that a No Fly zone with UN backing will take effect. Mainly becourse the reason for setting up such a No Fly zone isnt humanitarian, but rather some member states wish for a regime change. To many member states fear that they could be the next target of such a regime change, China and Russia doesnt believe this kind of regime change either, especially as many of their friends could be next...   

[Kleves]

Why can't the Euro handle this no-fly zone bullshit? It's in their backyard.

[Ed Anger]

Why can't the Euro handle this no-fly zone bullshit? It's in their backyard.

They need big daddy to hold their widdle hands.

[Mr.Penguin]

Why can't the Euro handle this no-fly zone bullshit? It's in their backyard.

With out the UN, no way. We are talking about nations that couldnt fire back at Bosnian Serbs in self defense without first calling UN HQ in New York...

[Berkut]

Do any of the Euroes have an air force that could take on Libya?

[Mr.Penguin]

Do any of the Euroes have an air force that could take on Libya?

France  seems to be the only one, not sure about the UK with all their cutbacks...

[Ed Anger]

According to wiki, the UK has 130 Tornadoes and 64 Eurofighters. The Wops should have a sizable air force too.

I assume Germany would wet their pants at the mere thought of dropping a bomb on somebody. Goddamn pussies.