It appears my optimism for a coalition of Western and Arab nations to jointly enforce a Libya no-fly zone was premature. France and England are strongly urging action before Gaddafi's airstrikes cripple rebel forces and the opportunity to assist Libyans with their revolution is lost. The Arab League supports the no-fly zone and is requesting that the UN Security Council move swiftly. So far, movement has been glacial and the Obama administration may be squandering a chance to help Libyans remove a terrorist from leadership of a strategic North African nation, with the approval of virtually the entire Middle East.
The hesitancy from the Obama administration stems from its desire to not act without support from China and Russia, both of which have expressed concern or overt opposition to intervention in Libya. China in particular is wary of seeing another successful overthrow of an oppressive government, as China seeks to quell any similar uprisings from its own people.
Ultimately the Obama administration will have to choose whether to displease it biggest creditor, China, or the Arab League, an entity with which the President hopes to establish an alliance for diplomatic, strategic, and economic reasons. Given America's precarious debt situation and China's ability to exploit that to our detriment, it will take an act of courage for the President to defy China's warnings and act to assist Libyan rebels before the window of opportunity closes and Gaddafi crushes the revolutionary spirit of Libyans.
