Poll: Did the UN Just Declare War on Libya?! Yes they did

[The Youth Counselor]

Yeah the U.N. Security Council would probably not care if they had nothing to profit from this, they probably would not have picked a fight with a stronger country and it will probably lead to war, and we most definitely want their oil.

However I support this, and I am a vocal opponent of the Iraq war.

The point being was that in Iraq, you had an oppressive regime that at the same time was able to make good on their duties of managing the everyday life of citizens and keep up a 1st world infrastruture. Although many dissidents exist and people against Saddam's regime there wasn't a popular effort to oppose him.

The American led Coalition went in under the incorrect pretense of international security, with the secondary stated motive to "liberate" the Iraqi people. Freedom can't be given, it must be earned.

It's the same reason that I supported NATO intervention in the 1st Gulf War, Somalia, Afghanistan, and the former Yugoslavia.

The people of Libya showed that they are more than willing to fight for their rights. First the people of Libya tried to reason with their leader and demonstrated peacefully and respectfully only to have Gaddafi sent in the military to wipe them out.

Yeah, the Security Council will surely make a lot of money reaping unprecedented control of this oil giant and expanding companies into this territory.

 

[Alade]

Neo-libs everywhere are rejoicing. Remember ? war is evil unless it?s sprinkled with the magic pixie dust of UN endorsement and ?humanitarian? rhetoric, in which case the dead bodies, the terror, and the screaming children are all worth it. The fact that Libya is the richest oil nation on the entire African continent is a mere coincidence. Go back to sleep ? basketball is on the TV. Soon you?ll be able to crack open a 6 pack and enjoy the air strikes like you would a Dwyane Wade slam dunk.
This is precisely what we predicted before Obama even took office?.
?Obama may eventually withdraw a portion of troops from Iraq, but mark our words, they won?t be home long before they are sent off to bomb another broken-backed third world country, this time in the name of a United Nations-backed ?humanitarian? war, just as Bill Clinton presided over in Somalia and Serbia with the full support of the establishment political left.?
-Paul Joseph Watson

Despite Mr. Watson's opinion about oil, I'm more concerned about the waging war thing, not that Libya wasn't doing a good job of that already

That Watson guy is clearly an idiot... The UN should have went in and took care of this much sooner. Also, before he starts talking bad about Clinton, one of the best presidents the yankees ever had (his taste of women probably cost him the top spot), he should read into the Balkan Conflict a bit more, he obviously has no idea what he's talking about.

 

[O maestre]

not only does this mean UN sanctioned war, but this is also going to dictate UN policy towards other countries, ie the UN now has an actual ability to meddle in other countries political affairs, now i am not saying i condone with gaddafi's rule. but what if the next time the UN chooses to interfere the case is not as black and white as this one.

the UN is not a world government and while i would like nothing more than to see a global political ruling body in the future, this is not the case now. i believe the UN has no right to interfere in domestic policies, even if the country is ruled by a cruel tyrant.

people fighting for their own rights and winning those rights is possible, and is the most righteous outcome. it is a difficult opinion to have, especially when i consider that these revolutionaries are under-armed and being on the receiving end of merciless air strikes.

 

[Simalacrum]

No, we shouldn't go to war with Libya, at all. For one thing, such an action will just make things worse for Libya (Iraq/Afghanistan, anyone? 700,000 women being widowed?), and furthermore, it'll just justify Ghadaffi's claims that the West wants to use the revolutions to their advantage to get at Eastern oil (which, honestly, I really wouldn't be surprised if it was actually true)

Oh, also:

Sorry, what was that about Libya wanting foreign intervention?

 

[All Hail Lelouch]

I call Shenanigans, U.N Cannot declare war, they have no military power. They can declare SANCTIONS, but not war.

I demand a source for this topic.

 

[Icehearted]

Too bad there wasn't more action when Iranian citizens tried standing up to Ahmadinejad.

 

[Sannit]

Actually, I just got my daily newspaper. The title headline? "Cease-fire declared: After U.N. vote, Libya agrees to cease military operations." So, even if war had been declared (which it hadn't, Libyan airspace was declared a no-fly zone and "all necessary measures" were authorized to prevent Krazy Kadaffi from killing his own people), it took less than a day for it to be over.

While Ghaddafi did declare a cease-fire he's not abiding by his word. Reports from within the country claim that military action continues.

 

[Danny Ocean]

I demand a source for this topic.

You might want to brush up on what the UN actually is and does. The UN can demand states take military action. It's not quite a declaration of war, but the effect is the same.


Here's the whole resolution, for anyone interested. I've highlighted the important bits:

You'll notice that the first word of each line is a verb. Take note of these. UN resolutions are not normally anywhere near as demanding, nor does it normally issue such authorization, requests, or decisions. Those are strong words for the UN.

Spoiler: Resolution 1973

Spoiler: Preamble

he full text of resolution 1973 (2011) reads as follows:

"The Security Council,

"Recalling its resolution 1970 (2011) of 26 February 2011,

"Deploring the failure of the Libyan authorities to comply with resolution 1970 (2011),

"Expressing grave concern at the deteriorating situation, the escalation of violence, and the heavy civilian casualties,

?Reiterating the responsibility of the Libyan authorities to protect the Libyan population and reaffirming that parties to armed conflicts bear the primary responsibility to take all feasible steps to ensure the protection of civilians,

?Condemning the gross and systematic violation of human rights, including arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, torture and summary executions,

?Further condemning acts of violence and intimidation committed by the Libyan authorities against journalists, media professionals and associated personnel and urging these authorities to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law as outlined in resolution 1738 (2006),

?Considering that the widespread and systematic attacks currently taking place in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya against the civilian population may amount to crimes against humanity,

?Recalling paragraph 26 of resolution 1970 (2011) in which the Council expressed its readiness to consider taking additional appropriate measures, as necessary, to facilitate and support the return of humanitarian agencies and make available humanitarian and related assistance in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,

?Expressing its determination to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian populated areas and the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance and the safety of humanitarian personnel,

?Recalling the condemnation by the League of Arab States, the African Union and the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference of the serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that have been and are being committed in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,

?Taking note of the final communiqué of the Organization of the Islamic Conference of 8 March 2011, and the communiqué of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union of 10 March 2011 which established an ad hoc High-Level Committee on Libya,

?Taking note also of the decision of the Council of the League of Arab States of 12 March 2011 to call for the imposition of a no-fly zone on Libyan military aviation, and to establish safe areas in places exposed to shelling as a precautionary measure that allows the protection of the Libyan people and foreign nationals residing in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,

?Taking note further of the Secretary-General?s call on 16 March 2011 for an immediate ceasefire,

?Recalling its decision to refer the situation in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya since 15 February 2011 to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, and stressing that those responsible for or complicit in attacks targeting the civilian population, including aerial and naval attacks, must be held to account,

?Reiterating its concern at the plight of refugees and foreign workers forced to flee the violence in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, welcoming the response of neighbouring States, in particular Tunisia and Egypt, to address the needs of those refugees and foreign workers, and calling on the international community to support those efforts,

?Deploring the continuing use of mercenaries by the Libyan authorities,

?Considering that the establishment of a ban on all flights in the airspace of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya constitutes an important element for the protection of civilians as well as the safety of the delivery of humanitarian assistance and a decisive step for the cessation of hostilities in Libya,

?Expressing concern also for the safety of foreign nationals and their rights in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,

?Welcoming the appointment by the Secretary General of his Special Envoy to Libya, Mr. Abdul Ilah Mohamed Al-Khatib and supporting his efforts to find a sustainable and peaceful solution to the crisis in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,

?Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,

?Determining that the situation in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

Spoiler: Action

"Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

"1. Demands the immediate establishment of a ceasefire and a complete end to violence and all attacks against, and abuses of, civilians;

"2. Stresses the need to intensify efforts to find a solution to the crisis which responds to the legitimate demands of the Libyan people and notes the decisions of the Secretary-General to send his Special Envoy to Libya and of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to send its ad hoc High-Level Committee to Libya with the aim of facilitating dialogue to lead to the political reforms necessary to find a peaceful and sustainable solution;

"3. Demands that the Libyan authorities comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, human rights and refugee law and take all measures to protect civilians and meet their basic needs, and to ensure the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance;

Protection of civilians

"4. Authorizes Member States that have notified the Secretary-General, acting nationally or through regional organizations or arrangements, and acting in cooperation with the Secretary-General, to take all necessary measures, notwithstanding paragraph 9 of resolution 1970 (2011), to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, including Benghazi, while excluding a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory, and requests the Member States concerned to inform the Secretary-General immediately of the measures they take pursuant to the authorization conferred by this paragraph which shall be immediately reported to the Security Council;

"5. Recognizes the important role of the League of Arab States in matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security in the region, and bearing in mind Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, requests the Member States of the League of Arab States to cooperate with other Member States in the implementation of paragraph 4;

No-fly zone

"6. Decides to establish a ban on all flights in the airspace of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in order to help protect civilians;

"7. Decides further that the ban imposed by paragraph 6 shall not apply to flights whose sole purpose is humanitarian, such as delivering or facilitating the delivery of assistance, including medical supplies, food, humanitarian workers and related assistance, or evacuating foreign nationals from the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, nor shall it apply to flights authorised by paragraphs 4 or 8, nor other flights which are deemed necessary by States acting under the authorization conferred in paragraph 8 to be for the benefit of the Libyan people, and that these flights shall be coordinated with any mechanism established under paragraph 8;

"8. Authorizes Member States that have notified the Secretary-General and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, acting nationally or through regional organizations or arrangements, to take all necessary measures to enforce compliance with the ban on flights imposed by paragraph 6 above, as necessary, and requests the States concerned in cooperation with the League of Arab States to coordinate closely with the Secretary General on the measures they are taking to implement this ban, including by establishing an appropriate mechanism for implementing the provisions of paragraphs 6 and 7 above,

"9. Calls upon all Member States, acting nationally or through regional organizations or arrangements, to provide assistance, including any necessary overflight approvals, for the purposes of implementing paragraphs 4, 6, 7 and 8 above;

"10. Requests the Member States concerned to coordinate closely with each other and the Secretary-General on the measures they are taking to implement paragraphs 4, 6, 7 and 8 above, including practical measures for the monitoring and approval of authorised humanitarian or evacuation flights;

"11. Decides that the Member States concerned shall inform the Secretary-General and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States immediately of measures taken in exercise of the authority conferred by paragraph 8 above, including to supply a concept of operations;

"12. Requests the Secretary-General to inform the Council immediately of any actions taken by the Member States concerned in exercise of the authority conferred by paragraph 8 above and to report to the Council within 7 days and every month thereafter on the implementation of this resolution, including information on any violations of the flight ban imposed by paragraph 6 above;

Enforcement of the arms embargo

"13. Decides that paragraph 11 of resolution 1970 (2011) shall be replaced by the following paragraph : ?Calls upon all Member States, in particular States of the region, acting nationally or through regional organisations or arrangements, in order to ensure strict implementation of the arms embargo established by paragraphs 9 and 10 of resolution 1970 (2011), to inspect in their territory, including seaports and airports, and on the high seas, vessels and aircraft bound to or from the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, if the State concerned has information that provides reasonable grounds to believe that the cargo contains items the supply, sale, transfer or export of which is prohibited by paragraphs 9 or 10 of resolution 1970 (2011) as modified by this resolution, including the provision of armed mercenary personnel, calls upon all flag States of such vessels and aircraft to cooperate with such inspections and authorises Member States to use all measures commensurate to the specific circumstances to carry out such inspections?;

"14. Requests Member States which are taking action under paragraph 13 above on the high seas to coordinate closely with each other and the Secretary-General and further requests the States concerned to inform the Secretary-General and the Committee established pursuant to paragraph 24 of resolution 1970 (2011) (?the Committee?) immediately of measures taken in the exercise of the authority conferred by paragraph 13 above;

"15. Requires any Member State whether acting nationally or through regional organisations or arrangements, when it undertakes an inspection pursuant to paragraph 13 above, to submit promptly an initial written report to the Committee containing, in particular, explanation of the grounds for the inspection, the results of such inspection, and whether or not cooperation was provided, and, if prohibited items for transfer are found, further requires such Member States to submit to the Committee, at a later stage, a subsequent written report containing relevant details on the inspection, seizure, and disposal, and relevant details of the transfer, including a description of the items, their origin and intended destination, if this information is not in the initial report;

"16. Deplores the continuing flows of mercenaries into the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and calls upon all Member States to comply strictly with their obligations under paragraph 9 of resolution 1970 (2011) to prevent the provision of armed mercenary personnel to the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya;

Ban on flights

"17. Decides that all States shall deny permission to any aircraft registered in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya or owned or operated by Libyan nationals or companies to take off from, land in or overfly their territory unless the particular flight has been approved in advance by the Committee, or in the case of an emergency landing;

"18. Decides that all States shall deny permission to any aircraft to take off from, land in or overfly their territory, if they have information that provides reasonable grounds to believe that the aircraft contains items the supply, sale, transfer, or export of which is prohibited by paragraphs 9 and 10 of resolution 1970 (2011) as modified by this resolution, including the provision of armed mercenary personnel, except in the case of an emergency landing;

Asset freeze

"19. Decides that the asset freeze imposed by paragraph 17, 19, 20 and 21 of resolution 1970 (2011) shall apply to all funds, other financial assets and economic resources which are on their territories, which are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Libyan authorities, as designated by the Committee, or by individuals or entities acting on their behalf or at their direction, or by entities owned or controlled by them, as designated by the Committee, and decides further that all States shall ensure that any funds, financial assets or economic resources are prevented from being made available by their nationals or by any individuals or entities within their territories, to or for the benefit of the Libyan authorities, as designated by the Committee, or individuals or entities acting on their behalf or at their direction, or entities owned or controlled by them, as designated by the Committee, and directs the Committee to designate such Libyan authorities, individuals or entities within 30 days of the date of the adoption of this resolution and as appropriate thereafter;

"20. Affirms its determination to ensure that assets frozen pursuant to paragraph 17 of resolution 1970 (2011) shall, at a later stage, as soon as possible be made available to and for the benefit of the people of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya;

"21. Decides that all States shall require their nationals, persons subject to their jurisdiction and firms incorporated in their territory or subject to their jurisdiction to exercise vigilance when doing business with entities incorporated in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya or subject to its jurisdiction, and any individuals or entities acting on their behalf or at their direction, and entities owned or controlled by them, if the States have information that provides reasonable grounds to believe that such business could contribute to violence and use of force against civilians;

Designations

"22. Decides that the individuals listed in Annex I shall be subject to the travel restrictions imposed in paragraphs 15 and 16 of resolution 1970 (2011), and decides further that the individuals and entities listed in Annex II shall be subject to the asset freeze imposed in paragraphs 17, 19, 20 and 21 of resolution 1970 (2011);

"23. Decides that the measures specified in paragraphs 15, 16, 17, 19, 20 and 21 of resolution 1970 (2011) shall apply also to individuals and entities determined by the Council or the Committee to have violated the provisions of resolution 1970 (2011), particularly paragraphs 9 and 10 thereof, or to have assisted others in doing so;


Panel of Experts

"24. Requests the Secretary-General to create for an initial period of one year, in consultation with the Committee, a group of up to eight experts ("Panel of Experts"), under the direction of the Committee to carry out the following tasks:

(a) Assist the Committee in carrying out its mandate as specified in paragraph 24 of resolution 1970 (2011) and this resolution;

(b) Gather, examine and analyse information from States, relevant United Nations bodies, regional organisations and other interested parties regarding the implementation of the measures decided in resolution 1970 (2011) and this resolution, in particular incidents of non-compliance;

(c) Make recommendations on actions the Council, or the Committee or State, may consider to improve implementation of the relevant measures;

(d) Provide to the Council an interim report on its work no later than 90 days after the Panel?s appointment, and a final report to the Council no later than 30 days prior to the termination of its mandate with its findings and recommendations;

"25. Urges all States, relevant United Nations bodies and other interested parties, to cooperate fully with the Committee and the Panel of Experts, in particular by supplying any information at their disposal on the implementation of the measures decided in resolution 1970 (2011) and this resolution, in particular incidents of non-compliance;

"26. Decides that the mandate of the Committee as set out in paragraph 24 of resolution 1970 (2011) shall also apply to the measures decided in this resolution;

"27. Decides that all States, including the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, shall take the necessary measures to ensure that no claim shall lie at the instance of the Libyan authorities, or of any person or body in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, or of any person claiming through or for the benefit of any such person or body, in connection with any contract or other transaction where its performance was affected by reason of the measures taken by the Security Council in resolution 1970 (2011), this resolution and related resolutions;

"28. Reaffirms its intention to keep the actions of the Libyan authorities under continuous review and underlines its readiness to review at any time the measures imposed by this resolution and resolution 1970 (2011), including by strengthening, suspending or lifting those measures, as appropriate, based on compliance by the Libyan authorities with this resolution and resolution 1970 (2011);

"29. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter."

Love or hate the UN, this is what it was made for.

 

[witness51]

Libya will burn!

 

[Scorched_Cascade]

Wait, the UN has an army? Oh crap, Command & Conquer is one step closer to coming true.

Does the army happen to have the name "Global Defense Initiative"?

Okay seriously I'm not making fun of this, especially since real war is always a scary thing. And this just seems off to me. I dunno how or why.

In libya a organization named the brotherhood of NOD is forming being lead by a very charismatic bald guy.

Gaddafi:
"Good afternoon, Commander. You must lost. This is not your precious Blue Zone, this is Nod territory. Tell you what...I'll have my forces send you home...in a body bag."

 

[katsabas]

Things are already burning up in the whole Islamic world while Obama is sending his troops home and Kadafi is trying to keep his stomach full. Quite a knot. But I am gonna go ahead and say that the Libyans have to sort this one out themselves. If UN makes a move on Libya and they win, they are gonna eat each other, dividing the spoils on one hand and deciding what to do with the Islamic uproar on the other.

Libya has to sort this out without our help. Trying to fend off someone who has been tearing them apart for about 20 years in a row and is willing to shoot his own fucking men for not executing unarmed civilians must go down with outside help. It is their independence and they have to fight for it. And come on, since when did the US and UN get all altruistic?

Oh. Right...

 

[littlewisp]

Iv'e been listening to updates to this through NPR, and some of the interviews with 'rebels' have had them asking 'why isn't the west helping us?'

:/

 

[tom919]

How can anyone stand for a man, who'd bomb people with no defense to such an onslaught. We placated Gadaffi for years to maintain an oil flow. Finally we have the backbone to say he's corrupt dictator and you say we should continue to allow innocent Lybians to suffer under the rule of a megalomaniac? The UN intervention was to stop the air strikes we're just stopping mass murder, if that's alright with you.

 

[Warforger]

Neo-libs everywhere are rejoicing. Remember ? war is evil unless it?s sprinkled with the magic pixie dust of UN endorsement and ?humanitarian? rhetoric, in which case the dead bodies, the terror, and the screaming children are all worth it. The fact that Libya is the richest oil nation on the entire African continent is a mere coincidence. Go back to sleep ? basketball is on the TV. Soon you?ll be able to crack open a 6 pack and enjoy the air strikes like you would a Dwyane Wade slam dunk.
This is precisely what we predicted before Obama even took office?.
?Obama may eventually withdraw a portion of troops from Iraq, but mark our words, they won?t be home long before they are sent off to bomb another broken-backed third world country, this time in the name of a United Nations-backed ?humanitarian? war, just as Bill Clinton presided over in Somalia and Serbia with the full support of the establishment political left.?
-Paul Joseph Watson

Despite Mr. Watson's opinion about oil, I'm more concerned about the waging war thing, not that Libya wasn't doing a good job of that already

That was already happening and all we're doing is providing air support like we did in Serbia to prevent the Libyan military to use hackz.

I don't believe it, another war, isn't the United Nations Peace Council supposed to keep peace. Seems like the only thing they do now is approve of wars.

*facepalm* They haven't declared war just a no fly zone.

 

[Ilikemilkshake]

HEY how about you not plagiarize things jackass

http://www.prisonplanet.com/un-authorizes-all-necessary-measures-against-gaddafi-airstrikes-could-start-tonight.html

haha nice find, shamelessly copied almost word for word

OT i think its mostly a good thing, we (the UK) have been proping up gadaffi's regime for years, even selling him weapons, least least we could do is help the rebels

the UN resolution said we can do just about everything other than occupy, so we shouldnt have another iraq at least.

 

[Kouryuu]

not only does this mean UN sanctioned war, but this is also going to dictate UN policy towards other countries, ie the UN now has an actual ability to meddle in other countries political affairs, now i am not saying i condone with gaddafi's rule. but what if the next time the UN chooses to interfere the case is not as black and white as this one.

the UN is not a world government and while i would like nothing more than to see a global political ruling body in the future, this is not the case now. i believe the UN has no right to interfere in domestic policies, even if the country is ruled by a cruel tyrant.

people fighting for their own rights and winning those rights is possible, and is the most righteous outcome. it is a difficult opinion to have, especially when i consider that these revolutionaries are under-armed and being on the receiving end of merciless air strikes.

UN is not a world government, but the closest thing we have to one. I would actually like to see a stronger UN in the future, Do we just stand by and let one country destroy another? or do you suggest that's their own problem? I think that the world learn it's lesson what happens when you let someone wage war with no consequences.
What's your opinion is a country its government and army or is it it's people? I think that the no fly zone is the best solution in this case, because it levels the field, know its basicly the same conflict just without the plans, and the side with the most support from the people will win.
as the cease fire was declared so fast it looks like gadaffi knows his situation, or we all be mistaken and actually there is support for him, whatever the case after 24 h we will know more.

 

[emeraldrafael]

Snip

Its not very big. They're the guys that wear those baby blue helmets that make you stick out on the battlefield. IN fact, it doesnt really even have an army, it just relies on other countries to make them up. The last time I heard the UN called for an "army" it was only like 10k. Its definitely a small one.

I think we need a bit of clarification here. The UN isnt "waging war" its taking the steps necessary to protect Libyan citizens and innocents. It was a call to get a cease fire, and it worked. Of course, they'll have to go in too, but this is far, FAR more then the United States. France, Britain, Germany, they were all ready to go and bust up shit in that country, so to say its just the US is grossly underestimating the power of the UN, and a purposeful attempt to continue the stereotype that Americans are war mongering dogs that are itching for a fight.

Now they're just waiting for Gaddafi to step down. If he chooses not to, then the UN will go in and take him out. Probably head lined by the US, Britain, And France so that they can get another democratic country in that area.

 

[Holy_Handgrenade]

Neo-libs everywhere are rejoicing. Remember ? war is evil unless it?s sprinkled with the magic pixie dust of UN endorsement and ?humanitarian? rhetoric, in which case the dead bodies, the terror, and the screaming children are all worth it. The fact that Libya is the richest oil nation on the entire African continent is a mere coincidence. Go back to sleep ? basketball is on the TV. Soon you?ll be able to crack open a 6 pack and enjoy the air strikes like you would a Dwyane Wade slam dunk.
This is precisely what we predicted before Obama even took office?.
?Obama may eventually withdraw a portion of troops from Iraq, but mark our words, they won?t be home long before they are sent off to bomb another broken-backed third world country, this time in the name of a United Nations-backed ?humanitarian? war, just as Bill Clinton presided over in Somalia and Serbia with the full support of the establishment political left.?
-Paul Joseph Watson

Despite Mr. Watson's opinion about oil, I'm more concerned about the waging war thing, not that Libya wasn't doing a good job of that already

We support the rebels and we get oil it's the best of both worlds.

edit: Can I also ask have we actualy declared war fully and not just this no fly zone stuff.

 

[lewiswhitling]

why do threads like this always insist on black and white moralising... "is it good that we're going to war?" no. Would it be good if we let a morally objectionable dictator violently take back power from his opposition? no.

Going to war is a means of showing that the west still matters diplomatically, and can maybe do something to spread democratic values... lets see how the situation unravels before condemning it as another cynicism-driven iraq mk.II