The US Reaction to Libya

A hot topic on the news lately is the possibility of a joint nation enacted no-fly zone over the unstable country of Libya. Gaddafi has recently been using his air force to strike against protesting civilians and a no-fly zone would curb his ability to maintain control of the country through the violent means that have characterized his presidency. A no-fly zone is a more diplomatically acceptable way to achieve this without sending in troops to physically invade the country. John F. Kerry, a democrat from Massachusetts, argues in support of a no-fly zone in this Washington Post editorial.

Kerry speaks primarily to those who are concerned for Libyan civilians and the Libyan democratic movement but are not sure if they want the United States to be involved directly. Some are not even sure what our options in Libya are. The author explains what a no-fly zone would entail as well as which international organizations we should move through, specifically NATO. For those who question the necessity of a United States intervention, Kerry references Bosnia and Kosovo, historical instances where the United States has helped Muslim countries as they seek democratic governments. To Kerry, this situation is no different.

John Kerry is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He writes this article coming from a background of diplomatically engaging with other states. While some politicians such as Newt Gingrich say we should go into Libya guns blazing, Kerry is suggesting a more peaceful, and frugal, approach in the long term.

While the current chain of revolutions in the Middle East are getting increasingly violent, there is a glimmer of hope throughout the intense bloodshed. Revolution leads to change, and in the cases of Egypt and Tunisia it lead to positive government and social change. Through better social freedoms and potential increase in the standard of living, these revolutions can lead to more permanent stability in the Middle East. And if you will remember not too long ago, we were part of a revolution that lead to the start of a pretty awesome country.