Let Libya's Neighbors Step Up

If they want a no-fly zone, let them do it: Leslie Gelb
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 17, 2011 12:49 PM CDT
The Arab League Wants a No-Fly Zone in Libya. Great, Let Them Handle It
This image taken March 16 from amateur video shows a plume of smoke rising over the skyline in Ajdabiya, eastern Libya.   (AP Photo/Amateur video via APTN)

The Arab League wants a no-fly zone over Libya, as does France and Britain. Great, writes Leslie Gelb at the Daily Beast. Go right ahead and put one up. Instead, these "strategic moralists" are waiting for the UN to act, knowing full well that Russia and China will veto any such move. But guess what? "They would have no trouble doing the job all by themselves. They possess hundreds upon hundreds of frontline jet fighters and the necessary air bases—in sum, full air superiority over Libya."

So let's stop the "finger-waving" at US inaction. "The attacks on Obama are grossly unfair—this time," writes Gelb. "He deserves help on Libya. Instead of blaming him, his critics should line up and with one voice shout this: 'Arabs and Europeans, for once, stand up and take the responsibility that is properly yours. Fly your planes to save the Libyan rebels now.'" (More Libya stories.)

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