The decision by the United Nations Security Council to support a no-fly zone over Libya, and thereby lend the assistance of the international community to those Libyans in the east of the country fighting against the forces of Colonel Gadhafi*, has revealed some unlikely hawks and doves. As someone who has styled himself as much an African** as Arab leader in recent years, Gadhafi has bought the support of African mercenaries in an attempt to quash opposition to his regime. Meanwhile, Arab countries, along with France and Britain, have successfully sought a UN resolution to intervene in the conflict. Although the shadows of our involvement in Afghanistan, and, particularly in Iraq, hang over this latest intervention, the situation in fact bears more resemblance to that of the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s. In short, there is a moral imperative to intervene, as reflected in discussions at today's summit in Paris, notwithstanding the serious consequences that this may bring.
* Associated Press spelling
** The African Union's response to the Libyan crisis must be reported in the British media.
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