Posted on 03/17/2011 4:04:30 PM PDT by MissesBush
UN OKs Libya airstrikes, no-fly zone Military action could follow within hours; Gadhafi tells The U.N. Security Council authorized a no-fly zone over Libya and called for Arab states and others to use "all necessary measures" to protect civilians from attacks by Moammar Gadhafi's forces.
The resolution passed 10-0 with five abstentions.
The resolution establishes “a ban on all flights in the airspace of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya" while excluding an occupation force. It also calls for freezing the assets of the Libyan National Oil Corp. and the central bank because of links to Gadhafi.
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe flew to New York Thursday to press the case for speedy Security Council approval.
The world is "living one of its great revolutions that changes the course of history," Juppe told the Security Council just before the vote.
The United States, France and Britain pushed for speedy approval because Gadhafi's forces are advancing toward opposition-held Benghazi. The Libyan leader vowed Thursday night to oust the rebels from their eastern stronghold.
Thousands of anti-Gadhafi protesters cheered and let off fireworks on Friday to celebrate the vote. Al Jazeera television showed the crowd firing guns in the air, setting off fireworks and waving flags from the monarchy era in celebration.
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
My theory is that the Saudis strong-armed the Arab League into going along with this thing. Why? Gaddafi tried to knock off Crown Prince Abdullah (now king) back in 2003. Very bad move on his part, especially given that the man he picked to do the job was arrested and sang like a canary. I have to wonder if Abdullah is looking beyond revenge in looking to topple Gaddafi.
From the little bit I’ve been able to glean, the French and Brits are going to lead in the air strikes, the Egyptians are providing arms, expertise and assistance across the border, the Italians are providing runways for take-off and the US is providing logistical and probably some strategic help and the Arab League is providing “cover”. Up to this point I’ve not heard we’re actually flying any missions.
Nice going 0. Wait until the war is about over to take decisive action.
"The draft resolution, backed by the western nations and the Arab League, calls for immediate action "to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, including Benghazi, while excluding an occupation force".
The UN Security Council resolution calling for action just short of an invasion is being proposed by Britain, France and the United States, though the US was earlier hesitant in supporting the joint British-French proposal to enforce the no-fly-zone over Libya.
UN Security Council Set To Vote On Libya Resolution
An invasion is not authorized by this resolution.
The UN had a good thing going with the oil for food program until Bush had to go and screw it up for them. Mo should have spent more on bribes and less on clothes.
I’m all for us staying out of it also. Dadgumit, it is time for someone else to step up and take on some of this stuff. I am sick and tired of our people being wounded or killed getting rid of two bit dictators who cannot threaten anyone except by sending out a bomber or two. Reagan taught the guy a lesson with one air strike. How many strikes will it take the Frogs or Limmies to get his attention.
It will be interesting to see what will happen if Daffy sinks French ship in Libya's territorial waters. France will not be able to invoke Charter 5 > ship sunk in North African waters, outside of Europe or North America.
No, nothing has been decided yet. (That we know about.) But a lot is being talked about.
US readying plans to enforce Libya no-fly zoneSen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he believes President Barack Obama has authority to commit U.S. forces to participate in the no-fly zone without congressional approval.
But he said he hopes Congress will bless the move once it takes place.
Thanks, Linseed! /s
Fine, let the UN get all their little airplanes and go enforce it... with out U.S.
Too little too late is what it is. A useless symbolic gesture now.
Unless the USAF needs target practice with the F-22, which I doubt, let’s keep our troops and airmen home.
The Arabs want to help out, fine, we sold them a bunch of good aircraft let them go burn off some fuel.
Send in “UN troops”. They’ll take control of things by raping the women and the children (just like they have done in Africa).
French military action. Oh Pah-lease. They’ll bail on the runway because it’s too dark.
It will be interesting to see what will happen if Daffy sinks French ship in Libya’s territorial waters. France will not be able to invoke Charter 5 > ship sunk in North African waters, outside of Europe or North America.
From the shores of Tripoli to the shores of Tripoli.
Sounds like Deja’ vu all over again.
Keystone Kops diplomacy in action. What are we gonna do? Save all two rebel survivors?
Last I checked Libya was a sovereign state.
U.S. Air Force: F-22 expected to be used in 'early days' of any Libyan no-fly zoneUnder questioning from Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said it would be his "expectation" that F-22 fighters "would be in use" during "the early days" of a no-fly zone mission.
For the metal heads that can’t stand the UN....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c_5Sn3D6BE
Last I checked Libya was a sovereign state.
Hmmm..that raises the stakes considerably- I’d believed we were going to be largely background.
Amazing this decision was seemeingly made overnight. Not 48 hours ago it wasn’t happening. So will he be the first president to send our military into a mission of this nature without so much as a chat with Congress? Or does the blessing of the “international community” now do the job of Congress?
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