U.N. Security Council OKs No Fly Zone in Libya

After weeks of speculation, the U.N. Security council has voted to authorize “all necessary measures” to help the Libyan rebels and civilians against Qaddafi’s brutal mercenary militias and the army brigades still loyal to him. Following the Arab League’s politically important endorsement of a no-fly zone this weekend, the unanimously passed resolution represents a new stage in the world’s involvement in Libya. With Qaddafi’s forces making serious progress pushing rebel forces out of the country’s western half, the previous Security Council resolution was evidently less effective than desired.

Passed in late February, that resolution called for a travel ban for Gaddafi and other power players in the government, as well as an asset freeze and an arms embargo. It also recommended that Gaddafi be tried by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, a measure not enforceable until a shift of authority in Libya occurrs. While the previous resolution went relatively unchallenged, the current one will undoubtedly invite greater speculation, especially in the US, which is the go-to power to enforce the no-fly zone.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates urged Congress to consider the potential ramifications of intervention against Qaddafi in Libya several weeks ago. “Let’s just call a spade a spade,” Mr. Gates said. “A no-fly zone begins with an attack on Libya to destroy the air defenses. That’s the way you do a no-fly zone. And then you can fly planes around the country and not worry about our guys being shot down. But that’s the way it starts.”

Nonetheless, the administration seemed to indicate a willingness to act, provided U.N. support. Secretary of state Hillary Clinton, said on Wednesday that “If there is international decision in the Security Council, then the US will join with the international community,” adding “One thing that we are clear about is unilateral action would have unintended consequences that we cannot undertake.”

U.S. response to the resolution is limited so far but U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice said: “Today the Security Council has responded to the Libyan people’s cry for help… Colonel Qaddafi’s and those who still stand by him continue to grossly and systematically abuse the most fundamental of the human rights of his people.”

Qaddafi’s own response was unambiguous and seemingly undaunted: “The U.N. Security Council has no mandate,” Qaddafi said. “We don’t acknowledge their resolutions.”

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