Turmoil in Libya (2011) and post-Gaddafi blowback

[CougarKing]

link



Libya declares cease-fire after UN no-fly zone vote; rebels say shelling goes on in 2 cities

TRIPOLI, Libya - Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa says Libya is declaring an immediate cease-fire and stopping all military operations.

Friday's decision comes after the U.N. voted to authorized a no-fly zone and "all necessary measures" to protect the Libyan people, including airstrikes.

Koussa says the cease-fire "will take the country back to safety" and ensure security for all Libyans.

But he also criticized the authorization of international military action, calling it a violation of Libya's sovereignty.

 

 

[The Bread Guy]

.... on UNSC res'n:

NATO welcomes the United Nations Security Council Resolution. The Resolution sends a strong and clear message from the entire international community to the Ghaddafi regime: stop your brutal and systematic violence against the people of Libya immediately.

NATO is now completing its planning in order to be ready to take appropriate action in support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, as part of the broad international effort.  There is an urgent need,  firm support from the region  and a clear UN mandate for necessary international action. Allies stand behind the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people for  freedom, democracy and human rights.

 

[brihard]

.... on UNSC res'n:

Another step down the seemingly emergent direction of NATO's new raison d'etre: the U.N.'s enforcement arm...

 

[MarkOttawa]

F-22s for Libya?

Operational Planning for Libya's No-Fly Zone Continues
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a8aeba351-fffb-4d60-8c31-2736697f30ce&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest

The UN approved a no-fly zone, the Libyan government declared a ceasefire and the fighting continued. As a result, planning and preparations for setting up the aerial screen over Libya continue.

While aircraft and helicopters in flight will be considered legitimate targets, airfields, aircraft on the ground or military vehicles such as tanks will not be attacked as long as they are not firing at or electronically tracking coalition aircraft.

“The operation will be reactive, not proactive and involve many of the same forces as the first Gulf War [1991],” says a retired U.S. Air Force chief of staff. “The no-fly operation will not be conducted as an offensive against airfields and surface-to-air missile sites. It will be strictly air-to-air unless a SAM radar starts tracking coalition aircraft. There may be some cyberoperations and a Global Hawk involved.”

U.S., British and French officials have demanded that Arab League and NATO provide forces for what is now planned as an all-air force operation. The United Arab Emirates flying block 60 F-16Cs and Oman with block 50 F-16C are considered likely participants. They would supplement British and French aircraft perhaps as many as two squadrons of U.S. F-22s, says the former chief of staff.

The U.K. says it is readying Typhoon and Tornado fighters for a quick deployment. The RAF’s Typhoons, like the F-22s, have been operational for some time but this would be the first deployment to a combat zone for both.

Support aircraft would include U.S. tankers, 2-3 E-8C Joint-Stars radar surveillance aircraft, 2 EC-130 Compass Call standoff electronic attack platforms and enough E-3 AWACS to establish two round-the-clock orbits in Libya – one in the east and the other in the north. RAF Nimrod R1 signals intelligence aircraft have be reprieved from retirement to participate.

Sigonella AB and Aviano AB in Italy are likely basing sites for the intervention force. Egypt may also offer basing for coalition aircraft.

France already has a fighter force in place in Corsica for the twice yearly Serpentex exercise. Although its primary purpose is to train for coalition close air support operations in Afghanistan, the operation includes three Rafales, 13 Mirage 2000s and three Mirage F1CRs, working in an English-speaking coalition environment.

F-22s at Langley AFB, Va. have been undergoing stealth treatment, avionics and engine upgrades over the last week. U.S. and British electronic surveillance of  the Libyan military over the last three weeks will have provided the latest communications and control data to update the stealth fighter’s sensors for both offensive and defensive actions.

Lockheed Martin officials added some insight into the pace of operations at Langley, noting “a deployment-intensive pace.” It noted the F-22s deployed to the UAE last year. When these 5th generation fighters shift locations, company employees specializing in avionics, systems engineering, low observables maintenance and mission planning go with the force.

No mention of our Hornets, nor it seems by Pres. Obama in TV statement this afternoon:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8391753/Libya-Barack-Obama-says-all-civilian-attacks-must-stop.html

...
He stressed that US forces would be acting in concert with the British, French and Arab states...

Mark
Ottawa

 

[Haletown]

Interesting . . the UN resolution is for a No Fly zone and to do what is needed to protect civilians.

That could mean bombing Libyan army ground assets. 

 

[MarkOttawa]

An interesting message from a friend very knowledgeable of the region:

Suez Turned Upside Down‏

If anyone should be turning in their graves, it must be Eisenhower and Pearson. Suez has been turned upside down. The US is forced to go along with an ill-conceived  Anglo-French adventure in the Muddled East, and Canada rushes in to contribute to the attack force.  Maybe Germany and Russia will offer to send peacekeepers to interpose - if G'daffy has indeed initiated a ceasefire.  Khrushchev's shade, while doubtless miffed that Russia has abstained on, rather than vetoed Resolution 1973, can take quiet comfort that while the world watches Libya, King Abdullah will do unto Bahrain as he himself did unto Hungary (assuming the Iranians don't choose to upset that little applecart by sending "volunteers" to help the Bahraini Shi'ites).

Then there's Yemen where pretty serious killing is going on:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/18/yemen-police-massacre-45-protesters

I still don't understand the frenzy and fury over Libya--unless it's embarrassment over the past, and emotion a la "Get Milosevic" over Kosovo.

Mark
Ottawa

 

[MarkOttawa]

By the way, whatever happened to the "Harper Doctrine" that CF deployments overseas (at least combat ones) should be approved by the Commons?  Since the House is not sitting obviously not possible right now, but what about when it comes back on Monday?  And why are the Opposition not demanding such a vote?  The principles of Canadian politicians are terribly flexible.  Amazing, eh?

Mark
Ottawa

 

[Haletown]

Well France gets a big whack of its oil from Libya and Sarko is way down in the polls so I can see why he/France  wants to "Go Suez".

The good news in your  Suez analogy is that this time Israel won't get involved. 

 

[je suis prest]

The Prime Minister consulted with the opposition party leaders and has indicated he will ask for a resolution from Parliament if the deployment in Libya appears to be greater than three months.  That doesn't seem to be much of a departure, if any, from previous government committments on the issue.

 

[old medic]

By the way, whatever happened to the "Harper Doctrine" that CF deployments overseas (at least combat ones) should be approved by the Commons?  Since the House is not sitting obviously not possible right now, but what about when it comes back on Monday?  And why are the Opposition not demanding such a vote?  The principles of Canadian politicians are terribly flexible.  Amazing, eh?

Mark
Ottawa

This was in many newspapers and up on media sites this morning.

Reuters
18 March 2011
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42150418/ns/world_news-americas

OTTAWA — Canada is encouraged by reports that Libya has declared a ceasefire with rebel forces, but Ottawa will still send fighter jets to the region to help enforce a United Nations no-fly zone, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said on Friday.

Officials said six CF-18 jets would leave for the region later on Friday to join a Canadian frigate that is already there.

Harper spoke shortly after Libya said it would halt all military operations to protect its civilians and comply with a U.N. resolution authorizing a no-fly zone.

"We are encouraged by late-breaking news that, in response to the threat of military action, the Libyan regime has declared a ceasefire," Harper said in a statement.

"However, for that threat to remain credible, adequate military forces must be in place. Our deployment will therefore proceed."

Domestic media said 200 support staff will also be dispatched to the region.

Harper, whose minority Conservative government does not control the House of Commons, said he would consult with opposition legislators on the move next week.

"We will seek Parliament's approval before extending the deployment beyond three months," he said.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/calling-libyan-strife-intolerable-pm-dispatches-fighter-jets/article1947174/

............“One either believes in freedom, or one just says one believes in freedom,” he said. “The Libyan people have shown by their sacrifice that they believe in it. Assisting them is a moral obligation upon those of us who profess this great ideal.”

Before speaking to the media, Mr. Harper consulted with opposition leaders. He said Parliament will discuss the matter next week and will be consulted again if the deployment lasts more than three months. .............

 

[57Chevy]

I can understand the position of the Russian Federation regarding the no-fly zone seeing that a substantial quantity, if not all, of the Libyan air defence systems were produced and provided by their own country.
The Chinese position of overall non-interference is plain enough to see.
However, their combined effort not to exercise their veto power sends a clear message concerning the humanitarian issue.

Brazil is likely pressurized from within the South American continent from possible neighbourly backlashes.

And India sits on the fence. They have not removed their citizens out of harms way and not only do they cater to their own non-interference policy, but they do not want to lean to closely toward any democratic nation.

Germany on the other hand is simply an embarrassment to the European Union.

Canada can proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with with the best of nations on this UN resolution, and perhaps a seat in that body may surprisingly become available in the next round.



Photo: Libyan Missile systems

 

[Edward Campbell]

...
Canada can proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with with the best of nations on this UN resolution, and perhaps a seat in that body may surprisingly become available in the next round.

Yes, indeed, we can stand shoulder to shoulder in a place that doesn't matter to anybody while the Saudis crush dissent make Bahrain safe for Wahhabi Islam - further solidifying that medieval sect's hold on the region.

 

[aesop081]

Yes, indeed, we can stand shoulder to shoulder in a place that doesn't matter to anybody while the Saudis crush dissent make Bahrain safe for Wahhabi Islam - further solidifying that medieval sect's hold on the region.

It will be interesting how we justify not intervening in other places in the near future.

 

[observor 69]

Harper heads to Paris meeting on Libya
Canada commits 6 CF-18 fighter jets to help enforce UN no-fly zone over Libya
By Meagan Fitzpatrick, CBC News Posted: Mar 18, 2011 10:22 AM ET Last Updated: Mar 18, 2011 5:48 PM ET


Prime Minister Stephen Harper is heading to Paris on Friday night to attend a summit with other world leaders to discuss the ongoing crisis in Libya.

The meeting on Saturday will be hosted by French President Nicholas Sarkozy.

The announcement of Harper's trip to Paris came soon after six CF-18 fighter jets were deployed Friday afternoon from a Quebec military base to help enforce the United Nations no-fly zone over Libya.

The jets took off in snowy weather from CFB Bagotville, along with 150 personnel. Two C-17s from CFB Trenton are being used to transport the personnel. CBC News has learned the CF-18s, pilots and support personnel will be based, at least for now, at Trapani, Italy, an air base in the western part of Sicily.Harper announced Friday morning his government authorized the deployment to support the UN resolution passed late Thursday declaring a no-fly zone over Libya and authorizing the use of "all necessary measures" to stop attacks on Libyan civilians.

The Liberals, NDP and Bloc Québécois all indicated their support for the deployment soon after it was announced.

"The message given by Canada is a strong one and the Canadian Forces are prepared to respond," Lt.-Gen. Andre Deschamps, chief of the air staff, told a news conference at the base before the planes departed.

"This departure means that Canada is fully engaged in this important mission and you can expect to be put into operations once you arrive in theatre," Dechamps told the departing crew. "I have full confidence in you and you will make a difference and do us proud."

Canada is sending at least six of the fighter jets to the Mediterranean to enforce a UN-mandated no-fly zone over Libya. Canadian PressThe CF-18 jets will be positioned in the region, joining the HMCS Charlottetown that is currently stationed in the Mediterranean Sea.

Situation 'remains intolerable': PM
When Harper announced the deployment, he said Canada has taken a "strong and decisive" position on Libya and to date actions have included evacuating Canadian citizens, imposing sanctions, and calling on Moammar Gadhafi to step down.

"Despite these actions, the situation in Libya remains intolerable," said Harper, adding that Canada worked to gain support for the UN resolution. "We will now take the urgent action necessary to support it," he said.

The prime minister said the government is encouraged by reports of a ceasefire in Libya in response to the threat of military action. For the threat to remain credible, however, adequate military forces need to be in place, he said.

"Our deployment will therefore proceed," Harper said.

"One either believes in freedom or one just says one believes in freedom. The Libyan people have shown by their sacrifice that they believe in it. Assisting them is a moral obligation upon those of us who profess to believe in this great ideal," he said.

Harper did not take questions from reporters after making his statement.



http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/03/18/pol-harper-libya.html


http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

 

[57Chevy]

Yes, indeed, we can stand shoulder to shoulder in a place that doesn't matter to anybody while the Saudis crush dissent make Bahrain safe for Wahhabi Islam - further solidifying that medieval sect's hold on the region.

Hence Germany's embarrassment to the EU. Historically, the Mediterranean Sea belongs to Europe. Germany and the EU should be the first in line to seek democratic governance in the region. The Mediterranean Sea is the southern flank to Europe. An overall radical Islamic foothold in the region could spell a European political and economic disaster.

 

[MarkOttawa]

The Doctrine, from "Stand Up for Canada", the Conservative Party’s election platform for the 2005/2006 campaign (p. 45):
http://www.cbc.ca/canadavotes2006/leadersparties/pdf/conservative_platform20060113.pdf

Make Parliament responsible for exercising oversight over the conduct of Canadian foreign policy and the commitment of Canadian Forces to foreign operations.

The whole document makes rather quaint reading these days.  Even more so this from 2004:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/lop/researchpublications/prb0006-e.htm

...
After the election of a minority Parliament on 28 June 2004, the opposition parties once again put forward the idea of votes on Canadian participation in armed conflicts.  On 9 September, the leaders of the opposition parties – Stephen Harper of the Conservative Party of Canada, Gilles Duceppe of the Bloc Québécois, and Jack Layton of the New Democratic Party – announced they would be seeking a series of changes to the Standing Orders of the House of Commons.  Among these, they said “MPs should be allowed to vote on all opposition motions, including on the ratification of international treaties and on Canadian participation in armed conflicts… .”

Mark
Ottawa

 

[Im a jumper para paul]

Mr Gadaffi's days are numbered for sure. Really needs to happen to stabilize the area to bring the price of oil back down.

 

[The Bread Guy]

This was in many newspapers and up on media sites this morning.

... as well as in the text of the PM's remarks:

I have spoken with the leaders of the Opposition parties to advise them of the Government’s decision and to indicate we will consult Parliament next week.

I also indicated we will seek Parliament’s approval before extending the deployment beyond three months.

In other news, can you say "potential human shields?":

Pro-Gaddafi tanks are inside Libya's rebel stronghold of Benghazi, a BBC journalist has witnessed, as the city came under attack.

A jet appears to have been shot down over the city in spite of a declared ceasefire and a UN no-fly resolution.

World leaders are due to meet in Paris to discuss military action.

The rebel leader has appealed to the international community to stop the pro-Gaddafi bombardment, but the government denies claims of attacks.

"Now there is a bombardment by artillery and rockets on all districts of Benghazi," Mustafa Abdul Jalil told Al Jazeera television. "There will be a catastrophe if the international community does not implement the resolutions of the UN Security Council.

"We appeal to the international community, to the all the free world, to stop this tyranny from exterminating civilians." ....

More on that from the BBC here and Bloomberg wire service here.

 

[old medic]

Gadhafi warns against intervention, strikes rebels

The Associated Press
19 March 2011
copy at http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20110319/libya-fighting-saturday-110319/

BENGHAZI, Libya — Moammar Gadhafi warned international forces they would "regret" intervening in Libya and his troops attacked the heart of the 5-week-old uprising on Saturday, swarming the first city seized by the rebels with shells, gunfire and warplanes.

"Where is France, where is NATO?" cried a 50-year-old woman in Benghazi. "It's too late."

Leaders from the Arab world, Africa, the United States and other Western powers were holding urgent talks in Paris on Saturday over possible military action after the Libyan government, apparently hoping to outflank the effort, declared a cease-fire.

On Saturday, a warplane was shot down over the outskirts of the key rebel-held city of Benghazi, sending up a massive black cloud of smoke. An Associated Press reporter saw the plane go down in flames and heard the sound of artillery and crackling gunfire in the distance.

Before the plane went down, journalists could hear what appeared to be airstrikes from it. Rebels cheered and celebrated at the crash, though the government denied a plane had gone down -- or that any towns were shelled on Saturday.

The fighting galvanized the people of Benghazi, with young men collecting bottles to make gasoline bombs. Some residents dragged bed frames and metal scraps into the streets to make roadblocks.

At a news conference in the capital, Tripoli, the government spokesman read letters from Gadhafi to President Barack Obama as well as others involved in the international effort.

"Libya is not yours. Libya is for the Libyans. The Security Council resolution is invalid," he said in the letter to French President Nicolas Sarkozy, British Prime Minister David Cameron, and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. "You will regret it if you dare to intervene in our country."

To Obama, the Libyan leader was slightly more conciliatory: "If you had found them taking over American cities with armed force, tell me what you would do."

Government spokesman Ibrahim Musa said the rebels are the ones breaking the cease fire by attacking military forces.

"Our armed forces continue to retreat and hide, but the rebels keep shelling us and provoking us," Musa told The Associated Press. ................

continues at link

 

[old medic]

The Doctrine, from "Stand Up for Canada", the Conservative Party’s election platform for the 2005/2006 campaign (p. 45):

The whole document makes rather quaint reading these days.  Even more so this from 2004:

It made quaint reading then too. It was never realistic. Time doesn't stand still when parliament isn't sitting.