Libya

Now you have to hear my two cents about Libya.  Let me qualify this first by saying I am no expert about North Africa.  I know only what I read in the news.  I am, by virtue of my profession and education, an expert on Just War Theory.  Plus, I value my own opinion very highly and think you all should read it.

Disclaimer: these opinions are my own and in no way reflect the position or values of my employer or the United States Government or its allies.

What the hell is the world thinking?  I'm all for rooting for the underdog... in sports.  But a revolution to overthrow a dictator is the exclusive province of the country in which it is happening.  Other countries not liking the man is not a valid reason to commit acts of war against his country.  I'm no fan of Gadhafi, but his regime does not represent an imminent treat against the United States or its vital interests.  And by virtue of being the legitimate ruler of his nation, he has the right (some would claim even the obligation) to quell violent uprisings.  The violence being exercised on behalf of the Libyan government is targeted toward rebels, there is no indication of impending genocide or invasion of another nation.  I don't see what is to be gained by intervening militarily in the affairs of another country.

Perhaps if there were a violent uprising in, say, Canada, the United States would be well advised to intervene in order to defend its friendly neighboring government and to prevent the war from crossing our international border.  But as it is, I don't see much military or diplomatic necessity in launching missile strikes at the soldiers of a foreign nation.  On a bigger scale, the West stands to improve its credibility in the region by allowing the nations of that region the autonomy and independence that they so desperately crave.  Unless there is reason to expect large-scale crimes against humanity, we ought to leave that country alone and when the dust clears, work on rebuilding ties with whatever legitimate government ends up winning.

What if the situation were reversed?  What if rebel groups started violently attacking our military installations in the US?  Would we welcome foreign intervention?  Or would we react and destroy the rebels and resent the international community for backing the revolutionaries?