re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

Akrotiri (Cyprus) is within sortie range, but there should be no action without a UN resolution - I believed it about Iraq, and I believe it about Libya.

Problem we have is the only way to impose a no-fly zone is to be willing to shoot down Libyan Air Force planes, as I am pretty sure Col G will send them up no matter what - so we need the buy-in of some of the local Arab states, otherwise it will be painted as western colonialism Mark II.

The planes are available (the squadrons due for decommission are still around), but we need international/UN support and logistical support (and a couple of US carriers wouldn't go amiss either).

re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

There's a US carrier on the way IIRC, and a UN resolution, if the noises coming out of New York tonight are anything to go by.

I don't know what they've offered the Russians and the Chinese ...

There does also appear to be substantial Arab League support. No joy from the African Union though. The AU quite likes autocratic dictators, for some reason, and tends to think they should be left to oppress their people if that's what they want to do.

re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

You forgot about their penchant for wealth redistribution - from their countries economy to Swiss bank accounts......

re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

Mardell is on the BBC now suggesting it will be British and french planes doing the shooting, and not American ones.

---------- Post added at 22:06 ---------- Previous post was at 22:04 ----------

Suggestions also that America is playing a very canny political game, working for a strongly-worded resolution but keeping back from the front line.

re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

Would that be to avoid anti-Americanism undermining the UN effort?

re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

Trying to avoid making it look like America is pursuing foreign policy by military means, apparently ... A conscious break from the policies of Bush and the Neo-cons.

The theory seems to be that the resolution is more likely to pass if it doesn't look like it will be enforced by American fighter jets.

---------- Post added at 22:27 ---------- Previous post was at 22:11 ----------

The sound of rattling sabres is getting louder ...

---------- Post added at 22:28 ---------- Previous post was at 22:27 ----------

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12779628

---------- Post added at 22:45 ---------- Previous post was at 22:28 ----------

And the resolution is passed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12781009

re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

Well, Will you look at that! The UN made a decision!

re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

Rather more surprising is the prospect of the French military violating the sovereign territory of another country ... Not something they've been too keen on for the last 20 years or more.

Amazing what the prospect of boatloads of refugees washing up on the Riviera can do to focus the mind.

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Thread title updated

Re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

Amazing how quickly we get involved. Wonder if Libya has any of that black liquid stuff that costs so much :scratch:


I do agree that something has to be done, However can we afford another war ??

Re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

Let's hope there are any rebel strongholds left to protect by the time the no-fly zone gets enforced.

Re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

That's been going on in various places on and off around the world for years. Unless far more money and resources are going to be spent on our armed forces we cannot continue doing this stuff, however morally right it is.

Re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

well if there still is a US carrier strike group nearby it'll start soon. The french have got their carrier around in the Med as it just been for operations and joint maneuvers at Afghanistan.

RAF can only use Malta, Cyprus or Italy and then tanker support but thats for most of Nato anyway.

It'll be interesting what we'll see flying 1st or attacking 1st of all...will it be Cruise Missiles, Drones or fighters.

Re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

This could get interesting.
If Britain and the US back out now, the Libyans will be in Paris in 6 weeks.

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I almost couldn't believe it myself !

However a lot of work is needed. Before we can enforce the no-fly zone, the Libyan anti-aircraft defenses will need to be neutralised, and this will take a fair bit of planning and tactical consideration.
The US could do it easily on their own, but I wonder how the multi-national force will manage this, do they have a plan as of yet?

Re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

Sparkle they would, what Nato been shouting for it for nearly a month so they would've worked out plans, area of responsibility, csar routes for downed pilots, probably been discussing safe lanes of flight etc.

And I wouldn't worry bout the french to much as they do have a powerful strike fleet ready for this and what has the UK got not a lot to be honest... no carrier strike capability so have to rely on either Malta for basing rights, italy or flying from RAF Akrotiri?

Re: [Update] UN mandates military intervention in Libya
 

Germany abstained from the vote. So much for common EU foreign policy, unless of course it's on their terms.