U.N. OK's "All Necessary Action" Against Gaddafi

I have posted a couple of times on this blog that I opposed any action by the United States to interfere in the internal situation in Libya. I still oppose unilateral action by the United States (or any other country). However, I do support the action taken last night by the United Nations.

The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution authorizing U.N. forces to impose a "no-fly zone" over Libya, and to take "all necessary actions" to protect the Libyan population from Gaddafi. Ten nations voted for the resolution and five abstained from voting. The abstaining nations are Germany, Russia, China, Brazil and India.

The rebels in Libya had taken over nearly half the country, until Gaddafi unleashed his air power and large artillery. Recently it looked like Gaddafi might take over the country, but if he can't use his air force (and artillery) the momentum could swing back to the rebels.

It is believed that any early actions taken by the U.N. would be by Britain and France with help from at least two Arab nations. This is a good thing. Just like unilateral action would have been a mistake, action without Arab help would also be a mistake. Any action must be viewed by the world as a U.N. action -- not a NATO action.

Gaddafi is not going to withdraw his troops and stop his attacks -- he's too much a madman for that. It would probably be a good idea to go ahead and take out any Libyan radar in preparation for action that might be necessary against their air force or artillery. I still wish Gaddafi would abdicate and leave the country, but that's not going to happen. The next best thing is to take away his technological weapons advantage -- and that's what the U.N. did last night.

All we can do now is hope this Libyan action ends soon and with a minimal loss of life -- and with Gaddafi out of power.