Should The U.S. Intervene In The Libyan Civil War By Enforcing A No-Fly Zone?

Retired Brass Oppose Libya Action -- Washington Times

Pentagon rushes to draw up options for president’s review.

Former U.S. military officers are warning against any direct military action in Libya and other unsettled Arab nations, as the Pentagon works furiously on a list of options to give the president.

One insider said the Pentagon was “asleep” until about a week ago, when the White House took political heat for dispatching a ferry to pick up stranded Americans in Libya while Britain sent a warship for its citizens.

“At least the halls are no longer sleepy in the Pentagon,” this official said.

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More News On U.S. Possible Intervention In The Libyan Civil War

Libyan Airstrikes Prompt Debate on No-Fly Zone -- Voice of America
Nations weigh imposing no-fly zone on Libya -- Christian Science Monitor
President Obama Wants Options as Pentagon Issues Warnings About Libyan No-Fly Zone -- ABC News
Pentagon cautious but not against Libya no-fly zone -- AFP
US defence secretary Robert Gates slams 'loose talk' about no-fly zones -- The Guardian

McCain vs. Pentagon: Getting personal over Libya Debate -- CNN
McCain steps up calls for Libya 'no-fly' zone -- AFP
McCain Reiterates Call For No-Fly Zone in Libya -- ABC News
McCain Keeps Up Pressure For No-Fly Zone in Libya -- FOX News
US Senators Advocate No-Fly Zone Over Libya -- Voice of America
Senators urge 'no fly' zone -- Congress.org

David Cameron's 'loose talk' annoys America -- The Telegraph
Cameron's no-fly plan is 'shambolic', says US -- The Independnet
Cameron relief as Obama declares open mind on no-fly zones -- The Guardian
Lord West's doubts over Libya no-fly zone and Gaddafi -- BBC
West Cools on No-Fly Zone -- Wall Street Journal
Analysts remain skeptical about plans for a no-fly zone -- Deutsche Welle
Contra: A no-fly zone over Libya makes no sense -- Deutsche Welle
Our view: No-fly zone in Libya holds more risks than rewards -- USA Today
Foreign Policy: Six Reasons No-Fly Zone Is A Bad Idea -- Thomas E. Ricks, Foreign Policy

My Comment: What is my take .... as tempting as it is to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya, reality on the ground is different. Gaddafi has many loyalists who are willing to die for him, he has the weapons and military apparatus to take on the rebels, and more importantly .... he has the will to fight and kill on a massive scale. Enforcing a no fly zone will not impact what is happening on the ground .... but what will change the dynamics in the Libyan civil war are ground forces.

But .... lets face it .... the U.S. and NATO neither have the resources or means to intervene successfully in Libya. The commitment would entail tens of thousands of troops, tens of billions of dollars, and a long term commitment to stay and enforce the peace. But after Iraq .... there is absolutely no appetite or will in Europe or in Washington to even contemplate such a commitment.

This is a fight among the Libyans .... let them fight amongst themselves .... but we should position what little forces that we have in the region just in case.