U.S. should focus on aid efforts in Libya

Bob Jack, North Las Vegas

Saturday, March 19, 2011 | 2:03 a.m.

The United Nations this week authorized a no-fly zone to be established in Libya and that all necessary actions be taken to protect civilians from the government forces led by Col. Moammar Gadhafi.

While the United States was active in promoting this resolution’s passage, it is still unclear what direct involvement America will have in implementing it. There should be good reason for the United States to be cautious regarding any decision to become militarily involved in efforts to defeat the Gadhafi regime.

By remaining militarily removed from the liberation of Libya, the United States would avoid the usual finger-pointing that it is interfering in the political processes of another Muslim regime. The United States would be well-suited to furnishing humanitarian aid to opposition forces in Libya, an activity in which it should be heavily involved. The United States should not get involved in any direct military actions in Libya.