Back the Libyans
The Arab League should authorize military intervention to stop the killing
THE people of Libya are under attack and need protection. Now. Not in a few weeks’ time. By then countless thousands could be dead.
Normally the world looks to the UN to provide the means in such circumstances. But the UN has shown itself divided and ineffectual over Libya. It is not capable of helping — even though it has a unique relationship with the country. Libya is the UN’s baby. It was the first and only state created by it. But even if the UN does decide on sanctions and a no-fly zone, they will not stop the killing. A no-fly zone did not protect the inhabitants of northern and southern Iraq from Saddam Hussein’s henchmen. It is not going to protect the people of eastern Libya from Qaddafi’s. The people of Libya need action now. They need armed protection. That means military intervention.
That has to come, can only come, from other Arab states. The Arab League needs to meet and authorize immediate action. It is the only body that can do it. It has legitimacy and a right to take the decision — in the eyes of the Libyans who are crying out for help, in those of the Arabs and of the world. It cannot be left to the UN to make that decision. Not that it will. There are voices on the UN Security Council that would sabotage any such move. But even if it did decide, who would the UN send? The British or French or NATO forces? That would play straight into Qaddafi’s hands. He would use that to rally the Libyans behind him, claiming the country was being invaded by the West.
The fact that Arab League has never taken such a decision before does not matter. It has never suspended a country for attacking its own people before, either. But it has just done it. Libya has been suspended for that very reason. The Arab League can likewise decide on intervention and ask member states to act on its behalf. It has a moral duty to do so.
Geographically, the best placed armed forces to take action are those of Libya’s neighbors, Tunisia and Egypt. Politically, they are the best choice as well. Given what has happened in their own countries and their role in those changes, they have credibility with the Libyans, and the rest of the world. Being seen to rescue the Libyans from Qaddafi’s mercenaries would also make them heroes at home and throughout the Arab world.
Whichever Arab state sends its forces, there has to be more than one country involved. Intervention by one state alone could be seen as invasion. Two or more together would be seen as liberators.
On the streets of Egypt and Tunisia, the people have taken control of their own affairs. Libyans want to do the same. They are being butchered for their efforts. The responsibility to help them now lies with their fellow Arabs. That responsibility must not be avoided or betrayed. A new Arab world is being born, one where freedom and responsibility go hand in hand and where Arabs are seen to deal with and resolve Arab problems. It must not falter so soon.
Arabs must come to the help of their Libyan brothers and sisters.
Comments
ADEL
Feb 25, 2011 11:15
Report abuseIt may be of interest to note: It has been exactly 62 years, two months and two weeks since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by 48 members of the United Nations General Assembly on Dec. 10, 1948. Only eight were opposed, including six nations that fell under Communist domination, Saudi Arabia and South Africa.
HALA
Feb 25, 2011 11:16
Report abuseNABEEL KHAN
Feb 25, 2011 11:20
Report abuseISMAEEL MARIKAR
Feb 25, 2011 11:21
Report abuseeat, issue statements and part to meet again. Just tell me, of one instance they have done anything to sort out any problem in Arab countries. They look to America and EU..I had suggested in the past that they should have a "think
tank", "task force" and a combined military rapid deployment force to go in where they are needed and defuse the situation.
As it is, the present Arab League is "dysfunctional"
What have they to say about the Palestinian problem.?
ANVAR
Feb 25, 2011 11:26
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