[Updated] Allied Forces taking Immediate military action in Libya

Originally Posted by Chris

In many parts of the world the British military would indeed be scuppered right now, due to the lack of both an aircraft carrier and the planes to fly from one. However in the Med there are plenty of friendly airbases to choose from. Gibraltar springs to mind, although I dont know what the political sensitivities might be down there.

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What we really need right now is input from one or more members of the forum who used to be in the RAF ...

/waits patiently

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).

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.

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

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

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

Originally Posted by Chris

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.

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

Originally Posted by Damien

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

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.

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The sound of rattling sabres is getting louder ...

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

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And the resolution is passed.

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

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

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

[Sirius]

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


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

[danielf]

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

[Osem]

Originally Posted by Damien

Nah. The people of the country are rebelling but the government are trying to murder them. Screw anything else, we should get their backs.

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.

[DocDutch]

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.

[Sparkle]

Originally Posted by Chris

Rather more surprising is the prospect of the French military violating the sovereign territory of another country ...

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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Originally Posted by Damien

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

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?

[DocDutch]

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?

[nomadking]

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