-- This is war...with an uncertain outcome March 18, 2011 - 1:44PM
It's a paradox, dropping bombs to save lives. But that is precisely what the United Nations has authorised by this decision to cast a no-fly zone over Libya.
In fact it goes further. The key phrase in the mandate passed by the UN Security Council this morning is to use ''all necessary measures'' to protect civilians from attacks by forces loyal to Libya's 40-year dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
That gives wide powers to the US, France and Arab countries who have said they are willing to use force to save the teetering Libyan rebellion.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has already said options for use against Gaddafi's forces include use of drones and arming rebel forces. It was important to recognise, she said, that actions must be taken to protect the planes and the pilots enforcing the no-fly zone.
Clinton's words betray the risk that the US most fears. Should its pilots be shot down, will the American public be willing to accept casualties in another Middle East war?
And if a plane is downed and ground forces be sent into Libya to mount a rescue, could this conflict spiral into a larger fight? How many lives is the West willing to give in the cause of Libya's bid to rid itself of Gaddafi?
Whatever the euphemism --- an intervention, targeted strikes, a humanitarian operation --- this is war. And as with all other wars, the outcome is far from certain. The resolution passed after Russia and China decided against wielding their Security Council veto. Neither supported the proposal, but they did not block it either. --